Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. The rich avocado sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional creamy pasta sauces, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture. The fresh lime and cilantro bring a burst of brightness, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 300 grams spaghetti (about 10.5 oz)
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the corn: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the sweet corn for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.
- Prepare the avocado sauce: In a blender, combine the ripe avocados, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the avocado sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated. Add the sautéed corn and chopped cilantro, mixing gently.
- Serve: Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Ensure the pasta is egg-free and use plant-based toppings to keep the dish fully vegan.
- Add Protein: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans to the pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the avocado sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently over low heat, adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the avocado sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to assemble the pasta just before serving to keep the pasta fresh.
2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly well in this dish. Just make sure to sauté it until it’s golden and heated through.
3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great for this dish, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or even a bit of hot sauce into the avocado sauce.
5. Can I use lime zest in addition to lime juice?
Yes, adding lime zest to the sauce will enhance the citrus flavor, giving it an extra burst of freshness.
6. How do I store leftover avocado sauce?
Store the avocado sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. You may want to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent browning.
7. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn can be used. Just drain and rinse it before sautéing to remove any excess liquid.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety.
9. Can I make this dish without cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether. The dish will still be flavorful!
10. How can I adjust the creaminess of the sauce?
If the avocado sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Conclusion
Creamy Avocado Pasta with Corn and Lime is a simple yet vibrant dish that combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The creamy avocado sauce, complemented by the sweet corn and zesty lime, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, this dish is a perfect option that’s both light and full of flavor.
Creamy Avocado Pasta with Corn and Lime
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy Avocado Pasta with Corn and Lime is a fresh, vibrant dish featuring smooth avocado sauce, sweet corn, and zesty lime, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
300 grams spaghetti (about 10.5 oz)
2 medium ripe avocados
1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the corn: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the sweet corn for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.
- Prepare the avocado sauce: In a blender, combine the ripe avocados, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the avocado sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated. Add the sautéed corn and chopped cilantro, mixing gently.
- Serve: Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.
Notes
This dish can be served with grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans for added protein.
If you’d like more spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the sauce.
For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
