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- 12 oz pasta of choice - 2 large ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts - Lime wedges for serving - If you cannot find ripe avocados, you can use peas instead. - For a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of olive oil. - You can swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. Using ripe avocados makes a big difference. They add creaminess and flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds a zesty touch. It’s best to use fresh herbs like cilantro for the best taste. Dried herbs will not give you the same vibrant flavor. Start by boiling salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cooking time varies by pasta type. For fettuccine, it takes about 10 to 12 minutes. For spaghetti, check after 8 to 10 minutes. Always refer to the package for guidance. To achieve perfect al dente pasta, taste it a minute before the timer goes off. It should be firm but not hard. Overcooked pasta can ruin the dish. For a smooth sauce, use a food processor. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh in. Add cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until it reaches a creamy texture. If it’s too thick, add the reserved pasta water. Start with one tablespoon at a time. This will help you control the sauce's consistency. To enhance flavors, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or extra lime juice. These simple tricks can elevate your dish. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss gently to coat every strand. Be careful when adding cherry tomatoes. Fold them into the pasta without smashing them. This keeps their shape and adds freshness. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 cups of pasta per serving. This amount is filling without being excessive. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. To ensure your sauce is just right, you can adjust its thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time. This helps reach the creamy texture you want. Using different oils can also enhance flavor. While olive oil works great, try avocado oil for a richer taste. If you're not vegan, adding cheese can make the dish even creamier. A bit of grated Parmesan or feta will do wonders. To make your dish pop, consider adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. You can also add protein for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the pasta. Seasonal ingredients can elevate your dish. In summer, fresh corn and zucchini add sweetness and crunch. In fall, roasted butternut squash can lend a warm flavor. When serving, choose deep bowls for a rustic look. This helps keep the pasta warm and adds charm. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top. You can also add a lime wedge for a vibrant touch. Using colorful dishes makes the meal more appealing. Bright plates contrast well with the green pasta, making it pop. Don't forget to drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for that nice finishing touch. For the full recipe, check out the details provided above. {{image_2}} - Gluten-free variations: Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish light and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Many brands offer pasta made from rice or corn that cooks well. - Vegan modifications: This recipe is mostly vegan, but ensure your pasta is egg-free. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Low-carb alternatives: For a low-carb twist, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These options keep the dish fresh and healthy while cutting carbs. - Adding spice with jalapeños: If you love heat, toss in finely chopped jalapeños. This adds a nice kick and bright flavor that pairs well with avocado. - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: Think about adding sautéed bell peppers or fresh peas. These colorful veggies not only taste great, but they also add nutrients and crunch. - Infusing other herbs like basil: Basil can bring a new layer of flavor. Combine it with cilantro for a unique twist that elevates the dish. - Complementary side dishes: Serve with a light green salad. A simple mix of greens and a lemon vinaigrette works well to balance the creamy pasta. - Ideal wine or beverage pairings: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lime for a refreshing drink. - Perfect salads to serve alongside: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad is great. Its lightness contrasts well with the creamy pasta, making your meal more delightful. For the full recipe, visit the provided link. To keep your creamy avocado cilantro lime pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work great. They help avoid any weird smells and keep flavors intact. Store the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 2 days. After that, the avocado may turn brown and affect taste. When reheating, be careful not to let the sauce separate. To avoid this, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat it slowly on low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the creamy texture smooth and tasty. You can freeze avocado pasta, but it may change a bit. The texture of the avocado can get grainy. If you want to freeze it, do so without the tomatoes and nuts. Store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat slowly as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later! To make this dish, you start by cooking the pasta. Bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the pasta until it's al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining. Next, blend ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth. If it's thick, add some reserved pasta water. Finally, mix the pasta with the sauce and fold in halved cherry tomatoes. Serve it in bowls topped with toasted pine nuts and lime wedges. You can find the full recipe above. Yes, you can use dried herbs. Dried herbs work well when fresh ones are not available. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Mix them in with the avocado sauce to let them rehydrate and release their flavors. Keep in mind that fresh herbs add a bright taste, so try to use them whenever you can. This pasta dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you see any signs of spoilage, like mold or strange smells, it’s best to throw it away. The creamy avocado sauce may darken over time but is still safe to eat. Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly! Kids often enjoy the creamy texture and mild flavor. To make it more appealing, you can cut the cherry tomatoes into smaller pieces. You can also let kids help mix the pasta and sauce. They will love being part of the cooking fun! You can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, combine them and add the cherry tomatoes. This way, the pasta stays fresh and the sauce won’t brown. This blog post covers all you need to know about making creamy avocado cilantro lime pasta. From gathering fresh ingredients to the perfect cooking techniques, you have the tools to create a delicious dish. Remember, using ripe avocados and fresh herbs elevates flavor. Experiment with variations and storage tips to fit your needs. You can adjust recipes to suit different diets or add unique twists. Enjoy every bite and impress your family and friends with this tasty meal!

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously rich Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta that will elevate your dinner game! This simple recipe features ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a zesty twist of lime for a vibrant flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. In just 20 minutes, create a creamy sauce that will coat your favorite pasta and delight your taste buds.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or spaghetti works well)

2 large ripe avocados

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

    Make the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the avocados, cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

      Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the creamy avocado sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated. If necessary, add additional pasta water to loosen the sauce.

        Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to mix with the pasta without mashing.

          Serve: Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for added crunch. Add lime wedges on the side.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls for a rustic look. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a lime wedge for a fresh pop of color.