Easy Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lime
A vibrant, no-cook sauce made from ripe avocado, lime juice, and garlic creates a luxuriously creamy pasta dish that's ready in under 20 minutes. This plant-based recipe is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine or other long pasta
- 2 large ripe avocados pitted and scooped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water starchy water from cooking pasta
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved, for garnish (optional)
Notes
For best results, use ripe but firm avocados. This dish is best served immediately as the avocado sauce can darken over time; if storing leftovers, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize air exposure. To make ahead, prepare the sauce up to 4 hours in advance and store in an airtight container with a squeeze of extra lime juice on top. Variations: Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce for extra greens, or top with toasted pine nuts for crunch. For a protein boost, stir in 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or white beans.