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- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) - 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves - 2 cloves garlic - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - Seasoning: salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes - Optional garnishes: cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese To make creamy avocado cilantro pasta, gather these fresh ingredients. Choose your favorite pasta type. I like using penne for its bite. Ripe avocados give the sauce a smooth texture. Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor. Garlic adds a tasty punch. Lemon juice gives balance and freshness. Olive oil helps blend everything together. Don't forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. You can also use cherry tomatoes and Parmesan to make it even better. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors as you prepare this delightful meal! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt helps flavor the pasta. Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture, which means the pasta should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, let’s make the creamy avocado sauce. Gather these ingredients: - 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Now, it’s time to mix everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the creamy avocado sauce. Toss the pasta well until it is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta better. For serving, divide the creamy avocado cilantro pasta onto plates. A shallow bowl works great for this. Top each serving with halved cherry tomatoes for color and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This dish is best served immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make your creamy avocado cilantro pasta even better, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp work well. You can also try diced tofu for a plant-based option. Additional herbs and spices can boost the flavor. Fresh basil or parsley pairs nicely with cilantro. A sprinkle of garlic powder can add depth, too. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a healthier version, use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta. Whole-grain pasta adds fiber, while gluten-free options suit those with allergies. You can also substitute ingredients for dietary needs. Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut-based options for a nut-free meal. Greek yogurt can replace some avocado for a tangy twist while keeping it creamy. You can prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container with a bit of lemon juice on top. This helps keep it fresh. If you want to make the pasta in advance, cook the pasta, then toss it with olive oil. This prevents sticking. When ready to serve, mix in the avocado sauce and warm it gently on low heat. {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work well. Each shape impacts the taste and texture. For instance, spaghetti gives a light feel. Fettuccine adds a thicker bite. Penne holds more sauce inside. Try whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthy twist. To make the sauce even richer, add other creamy ingredients. Greek yogurt gives a tangy flavor. Heavy cream makes it super smooth. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or a nut-based yogurt. These add creaminess without dairy. Using seasonal vegetables can brighten your dish. Cherry tomatoes are great, but add bell peppers or zucchini when in season. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also enhance the dish. Don't forget to try other toppings like toasted nuts for a crunchy texture. To keep your creamy avocado cilantro pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This way, it stays cool and tasty. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days. After that, the avocado may brown and the pasta can dry out. When reheating, use the microwave or a small pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist. This helps it regain its creamy texture. After reheating, taste it and adjust the flavors. You may want to add a bit more salt or lemon juice for a fresh kick. You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as you can. It will last for about a month. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently and add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can use silken tofu for a creamy base. It blends well and is smooth. Another option is to use cashew cream. Soak cashews, then blend them with water until smooth. These alternatives will keep your dish rich and creamy. Yes, this pasta recipe is vegan! It uses avocados, cilantro, and olive oil, which are all plant-based. You can enjoy this dish without any animal products, making it great for vegans. To add some heat, try using more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste. Start with a little, then add more if you like it hotter. Yes, you can prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat. This keeps everything tasting great. This pasta goes well with a fresh green salad. A simple side of roasted veggies also works nicely. For drinks, try pairing it with a light white wine or sparkling water with lime. This blog post has covered a simple and tasty avocado cilantro pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making it your own. We also looked at variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Lastly, I gave advice on storing and reheating your dish. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family and friends! With these tips, you'll create a delicious meal every time.

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Pasta

Indulge in a delightful and nutritious meal with this creamy avocado cilantro pasta recipe! Made with fresh avocados, vibrant cilantro, and a hint of garlic, this dish is both simple and delicious. Perfect for any night of the week, it comes together in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and enjoy this creamy pasta that's sure to impress! Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (your choice: spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh scooped out

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor or blender, add the avocados, cilantro, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. You can add some reserved pasta water to achieve a desired consistency if it's too thick.

      Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, mix in some more reserved pasta water a little at a time.

        Serve: Divide the creamy avocado cilantro pasta among serving plates. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

          Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a few extra cherry tomato halves for a pop of color.