Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! This Green Pasta Recipe, inspired by the bright tastes of Mexico, is a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious. Forget boring pasta nights – this recipe is a celebration of fresh herbs, zesty lime, and creamy avocado, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that even beginner cooks can master.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 avocado, ripe and mashed
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine the mashed avocado, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, parsley, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and you have a vibrant green sauce.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the avocado mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) and extra cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh, Mexican flavors!
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Pasta:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro and parsley are key to the bright, fresh flavor of this dish. Don't substitute dried herbs; the flavor will be significantly different.
- Adjust the Spice: If you're not a fan of spice, omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this recipe. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold the sauce as well.
- Avocado Ripeness Matters: Use a ripe avocado for the creamiest sauce. If your avocado is not quite ripe, let it sit at room temperature for a while to soften.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans would be delicious additions to this pasta.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the cotija cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add Vegetables: Roasted corn, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers would add extra color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This Green Pasta Recipe is a perfect example of a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!