Tequila-Spiked Fettuccine With Shrimp and California Avocado

This recipe was created by the "Too Hot Tamales", Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger for the California Avocado Commission. Without a lot of effort, you can add that creamy texture and delicious flavor we love so much to a variety of foods, including burgers, salads and sandwiches. ;)

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 1 Platter

Ingredients

• 4  large  ripe tomatoes, cored
• 8  ounces fettuccine
•  salt, for pasta water
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for pasta
• 1  lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1  tsp.crushed red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2  tsp.freshly ground black pepper
• 2  tsp.minced garlic
• 2  large  ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1⁄4 cup  silver  tequila
• 2  ripe fresh  california avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and cut into 1/2 dice
• 1  bunch basil, cut into thin strips
• 2  tablespoons.unsalted butter, cold
•  salt, to taste
•  fresh ground black pepper, to taste
•  parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. .Puree the whole tomatoes in a blender until smooth, adding a small amount of water, if necessary; reserve.
2. Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil.
3. Add the pasta and salt to the pot; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
4. Drain in a colander and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the shrimp, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper and sauté the shrimp for 1 minute on each side.
7. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
8. Remove skillet from heat and add the diced tomatoes and tequila.
9. Return skillet to heat and continue to sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. (Be careful as pan might flame.)
10. Stir in half the diced avocado and half the basil.
11. Transfer shrimp mixture to a platter using a slotted spoon, leaving liquid in the skillet.
12. Add the reserved tomato puree to the skillet, bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until the mixture is reduced by about one-third.
13. Add the butter, stirring until it is melted.
14. Then, add the remaining diced avocado and basil.
15. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
16. Toss finished sauce with cooked pasta until thoroughly combined.
17. Top with shrimp mixture and serve immediately.
18. *Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.