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To make creamy avocado pesto pasta, you'll need: - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed - 2 cloves garlic, peeled - 1/4 cup pine nuts (you can use walnuts instead) - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 300g of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work great) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce. You can enhance your dish with fun garnishes and swaps: - Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Extra basil leaves, for garnish If you want a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts or walnuts. For this recipe, I suggest using either spaghetti or fettuccine. Both types hold the sauce well and make every bite tasty. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly option. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the pot to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add your favorite pasta. I love spaghetti or fettuccine for this dish. Cook the pasta as per the package instructions until it's al dente. Before you drain it, save about one cup of the pasta water. This will help later. Drain the pasta and set it aside until you're ready to mix in the pesto. Grab your food processor for the next step. Add the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and pine nuts into the bowl. Pulse this mix until everything is finely chopped. It should look mixed but still a bit chunky. Next, while the processor runs, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This helps create that creamy texture we want. Keep mixing until your pesto is smooth. Now, take a large mixing bowl and add the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy avocado pesto over the pasta. Toss it gently so the pasta gets coated evenly. If your pesto feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Mix it in until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Now, your creamy avocado pesto pasta is ready to serve! To get the right creamy texture in your avocado pesto, start by using ripe avocados. They should yield slightly when you press them. Next, pulse the avocados, basil, garlic, and nuts in a food processor. As you blend, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps create a smooth sauce. If your pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Mix it in slowly until you reach the smoothness you like. If you have leftover creamy avocado pesto pasta, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge and eat it within two days. To prevent browning, add a thin layer of olive oil on top. You can also put plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto. When you're ready to eat it again, just give it a quick stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up. Seasoning your avocado pesto is key to a tasty dish. Always start with salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you want a bit more flavor, try adding crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or extra basil can make it pop. Experiment with these options to find your favorite blend! {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegan by using nutritional yeast. Replace the Parmesan cheese with 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Nutritional yeast is also packed with vitamins. This swap keeps the creamy texture while staying plant-based. If you need a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seeds. They blend well and add a nice crunch. You can also use pumpkin seeds instead. Both seeds keep the pesto rich without nuts. Just blend these seeds with the other ingredients as you would with nuts. Want to make your pasta more filling? Add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Cook the chicken separately and slice it thin. For chickpeas, use canned ones for quick prep. Toss them into the pasta before serving. This boosts protein and fills you up nicely. Creamy avocado pesto pasta pairs well with many flavors. Here are some great options: - Grilled Chicken: The juicy chicken adds protein and balances the creamy sauce. - Shrimp: Light and tender shrimp complement the dish beautifully. - Toasted Garlic Bread: Crunchy bread brings a nice texture contrast. - Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette refreshes the palate. You can enhance your meal with tasty sides. Consider serving: - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus add vibrant colors and nutrients. - Bruschetta: Tomato and basil on toasted bread give a fresh kick. - Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes offer a hearty side that pairs well. - Caprese Salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a classic touch. Make your dish look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips: - Use a Large Bowl: This allows the pasta to shine and gives it room to breathe. - Drizzle Olive Oil: A light drizzle adds gloss and rich flavor. - Garnish Generously: Top with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves. - Add Lemon Wedges: Place lemon on the side for color and a zesty touch. These tips will help you serve a beautiful and delicious creamy avocado pesto pasta. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with friends and family! Yes, you can! While basil gives a nice flavor, you can try other herbs. Cilantro or parsley work well too. Mixing herbs can add a new twist to your pesto. Just keep the same amount so the taste stays strong. You can even blend different flavors for fun! Absolutely! This creamy avocado pesto pasta is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it. Just keep the pasta and pesto in separate containers. When you're ready to eat, just combine them. You can warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. The dish stays tasty for up to three days in the fridge. To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great gluten-free options now. Just cook it like regular pasta. That way, you can enjoy creamy avocado pesto without gluten. You can create a delicious creamy avocado pesto pasta with just a few steps. We covered key ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and tasty variations. Remember, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or proteins. Don't forget about the best sides for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect mix! This dish is not just tasty; it’s easy to make. Perfect for any dinner or gathering, creamy avocado pesto pasta will impress everyone.

Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of creamy avocado pesto pasta that’s sure to impress! This quick and easy recipe combines ripe avocados, fresh basil, and garlic for a delicious twist on traditional pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s both hearty and healthy. Plus, it’s easily customizable for vegan eaters. Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to elevate your pasta game with this vibrant dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 cup pine nuts (substituting walnuts is also an option)

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

300g of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for an excellent vegan alternative)

Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill it with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water to potentially adjust the pesto's consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, cloves of garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse the mixture until all the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.

      Add Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture transforms into a creamy and smooth pesto.

        Season the Pesto: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Pulse again to ensure everything is well mixed. If the pesto is thicker than desired, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy avocado pesto over the pasta, and toss gently but thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated with the vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

            Serve the Dish: Plate the creamy avocado pesto pasta elegantly and top with the halved cherry tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves for an inviting presentation.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta before garnishing with cherry tomatoes and basil, adding a pop of color and flavor to your dish. Consider serving with a wedge of lemon on the side for a fresh, zesty addition!