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If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and irresistibly silky, this Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Combining the rich creaminess of ripe avocados with the zesty brightness of fresh lime juice, this dish creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. It’s a guilt-free dinner that’s both indulgent and refreshing, simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each plays a crucial role in making this dish so delicious. From the creamy texture of ripe avocados to the tangy pop of lime, every component adds a layer of flavor and color that brings the Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe to life.
- 12.3 oz dried spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to hold the avocado sauce beautifully.
- Salt for pasta water: Enhances the pasta’s natural flavor as it cooks.
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted: The star ingredient that provides rich creaminess without any dairy.
- 1 large lime, juiced (approximately 2-3 tablespoons): Adds a bright, refreshing zing balancing the avocado smoothly.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled: Brings aromatic depth and a subtle bite to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Boosts richness and helps blend the sauce to a velvety finish.
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves: Infuses a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements both avocado and lime.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk: Lightens the sauce and contributes a silky texture without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Seasoning to deepen all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and contrast to the creaminess.
- Pinch of chili flakes, optional: For those who love a touch of spicy excitement.
- 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved: Introduce bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, optional: Offer delightful crunch and nutty flavor as a finishing touch.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Elevate the dish visually and taste-wise with aromatic greenery.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes a few minutes less than the package suggests. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will be key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Blend Avocado Sauce
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to create the magic sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, plant-based milk, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if you fancy a slight kick. Blend everything until it becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a perfect silky pourable consistency.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer your drained pasta into a large mixing bowl and pour the creamy avocado lime sauce over it. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that each strand is evenly coated in that luscious green cloak. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling enticingly to the noodles.
Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Their juicy sweetness and slight acidity create a perfect balance against the velvety sauce, adding delightful pops of color and texture that make every bite exciting.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta onto plates right away so it stays fresh and vibrant. Top with toasted pine nuts for a wonderful crunch and scatter fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
When serving the Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess. Fresh basil leaves not only brighten the flavor but also make your plate look fresh and inviting. For a final flair, a few extra chili flakes can add an exciting subtle heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple leafy green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad to keep things light and refreshing. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread on the side is also a fantastic choice to scoop up any leftover sauce and make the meal even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the pasta in a shallow bowl, topped with a few halved cherry tomatoes and carefully arranged basil leaves. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edges for a glossy finish. If you’re serving guests, place bowls of pine nuts and extra chili flakes at the table so everyone can customize their serving to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days as the avocado sauce can oxidize and darken, but a quick stir and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving can revive its vibrant color.
Freezing
Freezing avocado-based pasta dishes is not recommended because the texture of the avocado changes after thawing, becoming grainy and watery. To enjoy this recipe at its best, it’s wiser to prepare it fresh or store leftovers refrigerated.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of plant-based milk or reserved pasta water to help restore the sauce’s signature creamy consistency without overheating it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine works beautifully, you can experiment with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind the sauce’s creamy texture pairs best with noodles that hold sauce well.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe is entirely plant-based, using avocados and plant-based milk instead of dairy, making it perfect for vegans and anyone avoiding animal products.
How ripe should the avocados be?
For the creamiest sauce, choose avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Overly ripe avocados may cause the sauce to taste overly earthy, so aim for that perfect balance of firmness and softness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can blend the avocado lime sauce a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to limit browning. Add a little extra lime juice and stir before tossing with pasta to refresh the flavor.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
If you don’t have basil on hand, fresh cilantro or parsley can work as an alternative, offering their own unique fresh notes that complement the lime and avocado nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s not just a pasta dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in the most harmonious way. If you want a meal that feels indulgent yet light, easy but impressive, creamy but zesty, this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will brighten your dinner rotation and your mood!
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Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta is a vibrant, dairy-free dish that combines ripe avocados, zesty lime, and fresh basil to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and garnished with cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, it’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12.3 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
Avocado Lime Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1 large lime, juiced (approximately 2–3 tablespoons)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of chili flakes, optional
Additional Toppings
- 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, optional
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Blend Avocado Sauce: While the pasta cooks, add the peeled avocados, lime juice, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, unsweetened plant-based milk, sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) to a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Toss it thoroughly with the avocado-lime sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold the halved cherry tomatoes into the dressed pasta, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish immediately with the optional toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves to add texture and freshness.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the avocado sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to avoid a runny sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for the creamiest sauce.
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
