Smashed Avocado Pasta (Printable Version)

Vibrant pasta dish with mashed avocado, lime, and chili. Fresh, creamy, and ready in 20 minutes for two.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 (plus more for garnish)
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop flesh into a large bowl and mash until mostly smooth with a fork or potato masher.
03 - Add lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
04 - Add drained pasta to the avocado mixture while still warm. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually until a creamy sauce consistency forms.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately topped with fresh herbs, additional chili flakes, Parmesan, and lime wedges.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in the time it takes your pasta to cook, perfect for those nights when hunger hits and patience is nowhere to be found.
  • The creaminess feels indulgent but comes entirely from avocados, making this a secretly nutritious comfort food that leaves you feeling energized rather than sluggish.
02 -
  • The avocado sauce will start to oxidize and turn brown if left sitting too long, so this is truly a dish best made right before eating rather than prepped ahead.
  • Adding the pasta while still hot to the avocado mixture helps the flavors meld without needing to cook the sauce, preserving the avocados fresh taste and vibrant color.
03 -
  • Test your avocados ripeness by gently removing the stem nub if the spot underneath is green, its perfect for this dish, but if brown, the avocado may be overripe and developing bitter notes.
  • Warm your serving bowl by filling it with hot water while the pasta cooks, then empty and dry it just before adding your finished pasta this keeps everything at the perfect temperature longer.
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