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- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine are excellent choices) - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed - 1 medium garlic clove, finely minced - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice) - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish) - A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a vital role in this dish. Avocados provide healthy fats, which are good for your heart. They also add creaminess without the need for heavy cream. Cilantro gives a fresh taste and contains antioxidants. Garlic boosts flavor and offers health benefits too. Lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the avocado. Olive oil brings healthy fats and enhances the dish's texture. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning, while red pepper flakes can add a fun kick. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, making the dish more filling. If you can’t find certain ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some swaps you can try: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. - Swap cilantro with parsley if you dislike the flavor. - Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a different zing. - Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a vegan option. - For a nut-free sauce, skip the cheese and add a bit of tahini for creaminess. These substitutions ensure you can still enjoy this delicious meal, no matter what you have on hand! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use a good amount of salt; it helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, save about 1 cup of the starchy water. This water helps the sauce stick later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it cool a bit. Next, let’s make the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, add 2 ripe avocados, 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, and 1 medium minced garlic clove. Also, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, it’s time to put it all together. Return the drained pasta to the pot you cooked it in. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss it well to coat every strand evenly. If you want to add a savory touch, mix in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta right away, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes for color and flavor. Enjoy your vibrant, delicious meal! To make the sauce just right, start with ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. When blending, add olive oil and lime juice first. This helps the avocados blend smoothly. If your sauce seems thick, add a little pasta water. This water has starch, which helps make the sauce creamy. Blend until you see a velvety texture. To boost the flavor, use fresh cilantro. It adds a bright taste. Don’t skip the garlic; it brings a nice kick. For extra zest, add lime juice. If you like spice, include red pepper flakes. Lastly, if you want a savory touch, mix in Parmesan cheese. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. You can make this dish ahead. Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. You can cook the pasta earlier too, but don’t mix them. When you’re ready to eat, warm the pasta gently and toss it with the sauce. This way, your dish stays fresh and tasty. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest sauce. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to pressure and have a deep green color. Adjust for Creaminess: Don’t hesitate to adjust the consistency of the sauce with reserved pasta water until you achieve that silky texture you desire. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. If you're not a fan, try substituting with fresh basil or parsley for a different twist. Garnish Generously: Add extra cherry tomatoes and cilantro on top just before serving for a beautiful presentation and an additional flavor boost. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your creamy avocado cilantro pasta easily. Grilled chicken works great. Cook it simply with salt and pepper. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas. They add texture and protein. This pasta dish is already friendly for vegetarians. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Always check your pasta for egg. Many brands offer vegan pasta options, making this dish accessible for everyone. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. You can also use jalapeños for a fresh spice. If you prefer no spice, simply leave it out. The creamy avocado sauce is still delicious without any heat. Adjust to suit your taste! You can store any leftover creamy avocado cilantro pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Use some extra lime juice to keep it bright and tasty. This helps the flavor and color last longer. If you want to freeze the pasta, it's best to do this before adding the sauce. Cook the pasta, drain it, and let it cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the pasta, you have a couple of options. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil to a pan. Heat over low until warm, stirring gently. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water or more sauce. This will help bring back its creamy texture. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Spaghetti and fettuccine are my favorites. You can also try penne or farfalle. Just make sure it cooks well and holds the sauce. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese. The creamy avocado gives great flavor. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. It’s a great choice and still keeps the dish rich. This pasta dish is packed with healthy fats from avocados. Each serving has about: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 10 grams - Carbs: 40 grams - Fat: 22 grams These numbers can change based on your pasta choice and any added ingredients. This meal is a great source of nutrients and will keep you satisfied! This blog covered making a great pasta dish with avocado sauce. You learned about key ingredients and their benefits. We explored how to cook your pasta and prepare the sauce. You also discovered tips to enhance flavor and perfect the texture. Variations allow for exciting protein or spice options, too. Finally, we shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoying this dish can fit many diets and tastes. Now, go ahead and try it for yourself!

Luscious Creamy Avocado Cilantro Pasta

A vibrant and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados and fresh cilantro, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz your favorite pasta
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • a handful cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
  • Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, add the ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you’re including red pepper flakes for some heat, add them as well. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Adjust the Consistency: If the avocado mixture is too thick for your liking, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water while blending until you reach your preferred creaminess. The result should be rich and velvety without being overly runny.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the pot you used to cook the pasta, return the drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado cilantro sauce over the top and toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is well coated.
  • Add Cheese and Season: If you opt for Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta now, mixing it in until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
  • Serve: Present the pasta immediately, garnished generously with halved cherry tomatoes that add a lovely burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with extra cilantro leaves for a fresh touch.
Keyword avocado, cilantro, creamy, pasta, quick meal