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Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lemon & Garlic

weeknightvegetarianquick
10 minPrep15 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundpasta
  • 2avocado (ripe)
  • 3 clovesgarlic
  • 1lemon
  • 3 tablespoonolive oil
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
  • ½ cupparmesan cheese (optional)

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 3 cloves garlic

  2. 02

    Juice 1 lemon

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 02

    While pasta cooks, cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.

  3. 03

    Add minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the avocado.

  4. 04

    Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.

  5. 05

    Transfer cooked pasta to a large bowl. Pour avocado sauce over pasta and toss gently until evenly coated, adding more pasta water if needed.

  6. 06

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve immediately, topped with parmesan if desired.

Spice Tips

For warmth, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A handful of fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the dish. For heat lovers, finish with sliced fresh chili or hot sauce.

Serve immediately for best texture—avocado sauce doesn't reheat well. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or reserve more starchy pasta water.

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