Description
This creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish combining ripe avocados, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce perfectly coating al dente pasta. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy and flavorful vegetarian main course with a smooth texture and optional garnishes like cherry tomatoes adding color and extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
For the Avocado Pesto
- 2 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Prepare the Avocado Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled avocados, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth, creamy consistency forms, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to reach your desired texture.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Return the drained warm pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the avocado pesto over it and toss thoroughly to coat every strand of pasta. Add additional reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time for a silkier, creamier sauce if desired.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan cheese, if using, to add freshness and color. Enjoy this vibrant, creamy vegetarian dish while fresh to prevent browning of the avocado sauce.
Notes
- Best served fresh to prevent the avocado pesto from browning over time.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to boost protein and make it non-vegetarian.
