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Creamy Avocado Pesto
Indulge in the luscious flavors of our Creamy Avocado Pesto, a vibrant and healthy twist on the classic Italian sauce. This rich, green sauce combines the creaminess of ripe avocados with the aromatic freshness of basil and the crunch of pine nuts, creating a delightful blend that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Enjoy this dish as a quick weeknight dinner or a gourmet meal that impresses your guests. With its origins rooted in Italy, pesto has evolved over the years, and this avocado version brings a modern, nutritious flair to the table, perfect for those looking to elevate their culinary experience.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- 8 ounces (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt
- to taste
- Black pepper
- to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup, grated
- Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Pine nuts
- 1/4 cup
- Garlic
- 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups, packed
- Ripe avocado
- 1 large, pitted and peeled
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine the avocado, basil leaves, minced garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until well coated, adding more pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture.
Tips
- For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast.
- Feel free to add spinach or arugula to the pesto for an extra nutritional boost.
- This avocado pesto pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 27g Carbs: 45g Protein: 12g Sodium: 150mg Sugar: 1g
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