Description
This Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta is a quick and delicious vegan dish that combines ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and aromatic basil to create a luscious, dairy-free sauce. Tossed with al dente spaghetti and juicy cherry tomatoes, it offers a refreshing and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12.3 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
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
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 dried spaghetti or linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Blend Avocado Sauce: While the pasta cooks, place peeled avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, unsweetened plant-based milk, sea salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes into a food processor or blender. Blend the ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired silky consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta into a large mixing bowl and toss it thoroughly with the creamy avocado-lime sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold halved cherry tomatoes into the dressed pasta to add freshness and a burst of flavor.
- Serve: Divide the avocado lime pasta among serving plates. Garnish immediately with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves for added texture and aroma. Serve and enjoy this vibrant, creamy pasta dish!
Notes
- Make sure the avocados are ripe for the creamiest sauce and best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce to a silky texture without thinning it too much.
- Toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free dish.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil won’t impart the same brightness.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free pasta can be used to make it gluten-free.
