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Fresh Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta Without Cream

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A quick and easy summer pasta recipe featuring a creamy avocado pesto sauce without any cream, delivering fresh, vibrant flavors and a silky texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, toast 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil leaves, garlic, toasted nuts, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to combine. Adjust acidity or seasoning as needed.
  5. Transfer drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour avocado pesto sauce over pasta and gently toss with tongs or pasta fork until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if sauce thickens.
  6. Toss in optional add-ins like halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms if desired.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Use ripe but firm avocados for best creamy texture. Toast nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Add lemon juice to prevent avocado browning and brighten flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado pesto, creamy pasta, summer meal, dairy-free pasta sauce, easy pasta recipe, fresh basil pesto, healthy pasta, vegan pasta option

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-creamy-avocado-pesto-pasta-without-cream-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/