Smashed Avocado Pasta with Lime (Print Version)

Creamy mashed avocado coats tender pasta with bright lime and gentle chili heat in this quick, satisfying 20-minute meal.

# 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

# Cooking Steps:

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 Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfectly creamy without any heavy cream
  • Packed with healthy fats from ripe avocados
  • Customizable heat level with chili flakes
  • Vegetarian and easily made vegan or gluten-free
02 -
  • Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy
  • Mash the avocado while pasta cooks to save time
  • Work quickly once pasta is drained to prevent sauce from cooling
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more easily
  • The sauce is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored with a squeeze of extra lime to prevent browning
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