Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Things to avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente.
- Over-blending the avocado sauce. It should be creamy, not completely smooth.
- Using unripe avocados. They won’t be creamy enough.
- Skipping the toasted pine nuts. They add a lovely crunch and flavor.
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, but still with some texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, avocado sauce, and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Substitutions:
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you like, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Pine nuts: Substitute with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Parmesan cheese: Omit for a vegan version, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Enjoy this unique and flavorful pasta dish!
