Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of pasta that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure – creamy, bright, and utterly irresistible! This isn't your ordinary spaghetti recipe; it's a game-changing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Anna's Avocado Lemon Zest Spaghetti is about to become your new obsession, promising a perfect balance of luxurious avocado smoothness and tangy lemon brightness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: spaghetti, ripe avocados, lemon, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. This will ensure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the avocado sauce. Cut the 2 ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the juice of the lemon and the lemon zest to the bowl with the avocados. This will add a fresh, zesty flavor to the sauce and help prevent the avocados from browning.
- Next, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the bowl. The garlic will provide a nice aromatic quality to the dish.
- Pour in the ¼ cup of olive oil, which will help create a creamy texture and bring all the flavors together. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the avocados until smooth and well combined.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander. Do not rinse, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Immediately add the hot spaghetti to the bowl with the avocado mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is reached.
- Season the spaghetti with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
- Serve the avocado lemon zest spaghetti warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Anna's Avocado Lemon Zest Spaghetti with a side salad or your favorite bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that yield gently to pressure but aren't mushy. This ensures a creamy sauce with the right texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly zested lemon and freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. The avocado sauce can start to oxidize if left too long, so time your cooking to serve right away.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you enjoy some heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg
