Description
This Avocado Pesto Pasta is a creamy, nutritious, and quick dish combining ripe avocados with fresh basil and pine nuts to create a vibrant, flavorful pesto. Tossed with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Avocado Pesto:
- 2 ripe avocados (pitted and peeled)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Avocado Pesto: In a food processor, combine the avocados, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pulse until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired creamy consistency. If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the Avocado Pesto Pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this fresh and nutritious dish while it’s fresh and flavorful.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest pesto texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the pesto consistency as needed.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- This pesto is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its vibrant green color and flavor.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Avocado pesto pasta, gluten free pasta recipe, healthy pasta dish, whole wheat pasta, creamy avocado sauce
