Smashed Avocado Pasta (Printer View)

Creamy pasta tossed with mashed avocado, lime, and chili for a bright, flavorful main.

# 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

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a large bowl. Mash until mostly smooth.
03 - Add lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the avocado mixture while still warm. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water incrementally until a creamy sauce forms.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately topped with fresh herbs, extra chili flakes, Parmesan or vegan cheese, and lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can boil water, yet tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The lime and chili combination hits that perfect balance of bright and just slightly dangerous.
  • Unlike heavy cream sauces, this one feels fresh and makes you feel good while eating it.
02 -
  • If your avocados aren't ripe, the dish won't have that silky texture—they should feel almost too soft, because the cold bowl and pasta water will firm them just enough.
  • Pasta water is your secret weapon; the starch helps the avocado emulsify into a real sauce instead of just clumping over noodles.
03 -
  • Toast a pinch of lime zest in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the avocado—it intensifies the citrus flavor and smells incredible.
  • If you're cooking for someone who's never had this before, serve it with the lime wedge on the plate and let them squeeze it fresh—the ritual alone makes it taste better.
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