Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta (Printable)
Vibrant creamy avocado and lime pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
→ Creamy Avocado Sauce
02 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
03 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - Zest and juice of 2 limes
06 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 3 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - 2–3 tbsp water, as needed for consistency
→ Toppings
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
13 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
14 - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
02 - In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, olive oil, garlic, lime zest and juice, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend to a smooth consistency, adding water one tablespoon at a time until creamy and pourable.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado sauce over the warm pasta and toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
04 - Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes. Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and red pepper flakes if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together faster than ordering delivery, so you can have a real dinner on the table without the stress.
- The avocado sauce is genuinely creamy without any cream, making it feel indulgent but honest.
02 -
- Avocado oxidizes the moment air touches it, so don't make the sauce more than 10 minutes before serving—it won't turn brown if you work fast, but the flavor changes subtly.
- The pasta water is actually important; it's not just thinning the sauce, it's helping it emulsify, so don't skip it or skip reserving it.
03 -
- Reserve your pasta water before draining—it's starchy and helps the avocado sauce coat the pasta instead of sliding off into the bottom of the bowl.
- Taste everything before serving and adjust your lime juice, salt, or heat level; this is your plate and it should taste exactly how you like it.