Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe – Basil, Lime & Garlic Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe – Basil, Lime & Garlic Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and seriously delicious weeknight meals. And let me tell you, this Creamy Avocado Pasta is a total game-changer. It’s vibrant, fresh, and comes together in under 30 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want anything heavy, and it’s been a staple ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a burst of flavour! The creamy avocado sauce is unbelievably smooth and satisfying, and the combination of basil, lime, and garlic is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy and can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing avocado pasta:

• 2 cups cooked spaghetti
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh sweet basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 small garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your pasta.

Avocado Selection & Ripeness

A perfectly ripe avocado is key. You want it to yield to gentle pressure, but not be mushy. If it’s too hard, it won’t blend properly. A Hass avocado works beautifully here, but any creamy variety will do.

Basil Varieties – Sweet Basil Focus

While there are many types of basil, sweet basil is the star of this show. Its slightly sweet and peppery flavour complements the avocado and lime perfectly. Don’t substitute with Thai basil, as the anise flavour will be too strong.

Olive Oil Quality – Extra Virgin Recommended

Good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a difference! It adds richness and flavour to the sauce. Don’t skimp here – it’s worth it.

Lime Juice – Fresh vs. Bottled

Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best. It has a brighter, more vibrant flavour than bottled. But if you’re in a pinch, bottled will work, just try to find a good quality one.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t overcook it – we want a little bite!
2. While the pasta is cooking, let’s make the sauce. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the creamy flesh into a food processor.
3. Now, add the fresh sweet basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, and lime juice to the food processor with the avocado.
4. Blend everything together until it’s super smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it directly to the food processor with the avocado sauce. Alternatively, you can toss it in a large bowl.
6. Toss the pasta and sauce together until every strand is beautifully coated.
7. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Pasta water is liquid gold – it helps the sauce cling to the pasta!

Preventing Avocado Sauce from Browning

Avocado can brown quickly. To prevent this, add a squeeze of extra lime juice to the sauce and serve immediately.

Pasta Cooking – Al Dente Perfection

“Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian. The pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. This is crucial for a good pasta experience!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Avocado Pasta

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your pasta doesn’t contain any egg.

Gluten-Free Avocado Pasta (Pasta Options)

Easily make this gluten-free by using your favourite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta or lentil pasta work really well.

Spice Level – Adding a Kick

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. My friend, Priya, loves adding a finely chopped green chilli!

Quick Weeknight Version (Simplified Instructions)

Short on time? Skip the food processor and mash the avocado with a fork. Finely chop the basil and garlic, and whisk everything together with the lime juice and olive oil. It won’t be quite as smooth, but it’s still delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This avocado pasta is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a few extra basil leaves.

Storage Instructions

This pasta is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The sauce may darken slightly, but it will still taste good.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this avocado pasta ahead of time?

Not really. Avocado sauce doesn’t hold well, and it tends to brown and lose its flavour. It’s best to make it fresh.

What type of pasta works best with avocado sauce?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are all great choices. The sauce clings well to these long, thin pasta shapes.

How can I adjust the tanginess of the sauce?

Add more or less lime juice to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust from there.

Can I use frozen avocado for this recipe?

I don’t recommend it. Frozen avocado tends to become mushy and doesn’t blend as smoothly.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

As mentioned in the quick weeknight version, you can mash the avocado with a fork and finely chop the other ingredients. It will require a little more effort, but it’s still delicious!

Enjoy this creamy, dreamy avocado pasta! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!