Creamy Avocado Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Creamy Avocado Pasta with Garlic Shrimp—a dish that perfectly blends creamy textures with succulent shrimp. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a gourmet touch that will impress your family and friends. The rich avocado sauce combined with the freshness of garlic and herbs creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine the avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, slowly adding olive oil until fully incorporated.
3. If desired, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine

1. In the pot with the drained pasta, add the creamy avocado sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
2. Fold in the cooked garlic shrimp gently until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the creamy avocado pasta with garlic shrimp.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Avocados: For the best flavor, select ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed. Avoid overly soft or dark avocados which may be overripe.
• Pasta Variations: Feel free to substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to cater to dietary preferences.
• Shrimp Selection: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can also work well. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint for a unique flavor profile. You can also adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the pasta and shrimp separately to prevent the sauce from browning.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Avocado Pasta with Garlic Shrimp with a light salad, such as a spinach and arugula mix, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully.

Further Exploration

For those looking to expand their culinary skills, consider trying out other avocado-based recipes or exploring pasta dishes with different sauces. Check out these articles for more inspiration:

• The Benefits of Avocado in Your Diet
• Easy Pasta Sauces for Quick Meals

Let your kitchen become a playground of flavors as you try this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Garlic Shrimp. Share your delicious creations on social media and inspire others to experiment in their culinary journeys. Enjoy the process and relish every bite!