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Creamy Avocado Pasta

Rich and creamy avocado-based pasta sauce with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for a healthy comfort food meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta
Avocado Sauce
  • 2 large ripe avocados
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Food processor or blender
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a food processor. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  3. Process avocado mixture until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In the same pot used for cooking pasta, combine the drained hot pasta with the avocado sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Fold in chopped basil, parsley, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs.
  8. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon zest for extra brightness.

Notes

Best served immediately while pasta is warm. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in refrigerator. Add a splash of water when reheating to restore creaminess.