Pepper Lime Fettuccine with Avocado Sauce

We first made this recipe clear back in February of 2014, but it's something we've made several times since then, since it was just SO good, and I'm copying the recipe over from my Photo a Day blog for ease of finding it later when I want to make it again. :)  The avocado sauce, which I found over at 5 Dollar Dinners, is super easy to throw together and would go equally well with just regular store bought pasta, but I really liked the extra layer of flavor that using homemade pepper lime fettuccine gives the dish.

For the Pepper Lime Fettuccine:
3/4 lb all purpose flour
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3 Tbsp lime juice
Grated zest of 3 limes
2 tsp black pepper

Place the flour in a large bowl and make make a well in the center to form a "volcano."  In a small bowl, combine the eggs, lime juice, lime zest, and pepper.  Pour the egg mixture into the center of the volcano and then beat together, slowly mixing more and more flour in from the edges until it forms a dough ball.  Slowly add more water, if needed, 1 Tbsp at a time, continuing to knead by hand until all the flour is incorporated into the dough ball, and it is soft, but doesn't really stick to your fingers.  Knead for 5 minutes or so by hand until the dough is cohesive and moderately smooth.  Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.  Then, either send through a pasta machine, or knead for another 10 minutes or so, until the dough is completely smooth and elastic, and roll out with a rolling pin and cut into noodles.  Cook in lightly salted boiling water for about 4 minutes or until al dente.   Meanwhile, make the sauce:

For the Avocado Sauce:
2 medium avocados
Juice and zest from 1 lemon
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp dried basil (or 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese to taste
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes

While the pasta is boiling, mash up the avocados in a medium sized bowl.  Stir in the rest of the sauce ingredients and serve over the top of the pasta.