Smashed Avocado Pasta (Printable format)

Creamy pasta with mashed avocado, lime, garlic, and chili. Ready in 20 minutes for a zesty vegetarian dish.

# List of ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 oz spaghetti or linguine
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

→ Avocado Mixture

03 - 2 ripe avocados
04 - 1 lime, juiced and zested
05 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
07 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh basil or cilantro leaves
10 - Grated Parmesan or vegan alternative
11 - Additional lime wedges

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, halve and pit the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl and mash until mostly smooth.
03 - Add lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Mix well to combine.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the avocado mixture while still warm. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, topped with fresh herbs, extra chili flakes, Parmesan, and lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and feels twice as indulgent.
  • The avocado stays bright green if you work quickly, making it as pretty as it is satisfying.
  • You can adjust the heat and tang on the fly, tasting as you go until it feels just right.
02 -
  • If you skip reserving pasta water, the sauce can turn thick and gluey instead of creamy and loose.
  • Avocados oxidize fast once exposed to air, so work quickly and serve immediately for the best color.
  • Cold pasta will seize up the avocado instead of melting it, so toss everything while the noodles are still steaming.
03 -
  • Toast the garlic in the olive oil for 30 seconds before mixing it into the avocado if you want a mellower, roasted flavor instead of sharp bite.
  • Add the pasta water in small splashes while tossing, not all at once, so you can control the exact consistency of your sauce.
  • If the avocado tastes flat even after seasoning, a tiny pinch of sugar or a few drops of honey can balance the acidity and bring everything into focus.
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