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    Home » Recipes

    Posted on: May 23, 2012 · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (healthy, high fiber)

    8 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    As you know I attended a Luncheon with Chef Ivy Stark at Dos Caminos this past weekend.  And incase you didn't know, my goody bag consisted of 5 avocados, plus my husband received a goody bag too, so we are talking a total of TEN AVOCADOS!  YIKES! avocado pasta 106

    Besides making a batch of amazing Guacamole and Avocado Fries which turned out to be a disaster, I also made Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta.  It was quite amazing, and healthy, too.avocado pasta 083

    Unfortunately, I can't take credit for this delectable recipe that I found on one of the best vegan blogs out there, Angela of Oh She Glows.
    avocado pasta 087

    What I love about this dish is the pesto sauce incorporates avocado instead of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).  Although both avocados and EVOO are healthy fats, it's a nice variant to use avocados for a change which results in a creamier, thicker sauce without any of the avocado flavor.avocado pasta 086

    I went ahead and doubled Angela's recipe, however I halved the amount of EVOO used in the recipe.  In addition, I added some crushed red pepper for that extra kick I need.avocado pasta 099

    My mom, sister, and brother-in-law stopped by so I had a few family members to critique the recipe, in addition to my hubby, of course.  Unsurprisingly though, my mom didn't like this dish, but she's also an extremely picky eater.  My husband, sister, and brother-in-law enjoyed my pasta though.avocado pasta 114

    Last point, the key to making this dish is serving it ASAP, else the oxidation process on the avocado pesto sauce begins almost immediately despite adding lemon juice to the sauce.  Also, I don't think this pasta dish tastes that great in the event you do have leftovers, so plan on inviting a few people over and share the love.avocado pasta 113

    Recipe

    Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

    Vegan, Healthy, Gluten-free option
    Creamy, simple, and delicious Avocado Pesto Pasta that's vegan. Parmesan cheese is optional.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 5 servings
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Calories: 452kcal
    Author: Nisha & mostly adapted from Oh She Glows

    Ingredients

    • 13.5 ounces whole grain penne
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • juice of 1 lemon
    • zest of 1 lemon
    • 2 large avocados
    • large handful basil leaves
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, you can add up to 4 tablespoon total
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
    • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
    • grated parmesan cheese, optional

    Instructions

    • Star by boiling a pot of water on high heat.spaghetti 045
    • While the water boils, get your ingredients out… garlic, lemon juice, and zest of a lemon.
    • Add the 3 ingredients to the food processor and pulse until everything is blended and chopped.
    • Once the water boils, follow the directions on the back of the box and cook until al dente.
    • In the meantime, slice an avocado, remove the pit, and add it to the food processor. Grab a handful of basil as well.
    • Add the basil, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
    • Process all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy consistency, get the sides as well.
    • Like this.
    • Drain the pasta and reserve some of the starchy pasta water. Add the avocado pesto to the pasta.
    • Toss well, and add the starchy pasta water, about ¼ cup or a little more to thin out the sauce to your liking.
    • Optional, top with some parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 479mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 247IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Avocado Pasta, Avocado Pesto Pasta, Vegan Pasta
    Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking!

    STEP BY STEP:
    1. Star by boiling a pot of water on high heat.spaghetti 045
    2. While the water boils, get your ingredients out… garlic, lemon juice, and zest of a lemon.
    3. Add the 3 ingredients to the food processor and pulse until everything is blended and chopped.

    4. Once the water boils, follow the directions on the back of the box and cook until al dente.
    5. In the meantime, slice an avocado, remove the pit, and add it to the food processor.  Grab a handful of basil as well.
    6. Add the basil, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
    7. Process all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy consistency, get the sides as well.
    8. Like this.
    9. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the starchy pasta water. Add the avocado pesto to the pasta. 
    10. Toss well, and add the starchy pasta water, about ¼ cup or a little more to thin out the sauce to your liking.
    11. Optional, top with some parmesan cheese.  Serve immediately.avocado pasta 113

    TELL ME: What are some creative ways you add avocado to your cooking, besides making guacamole? 
    « Chai Spiced Oatmeal with Cookie Butter
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    8 shares

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Tina says

      May 23, 2012 at 4:26 am

      Beautiful clicks and pesto..

      Reply
    2. Khushboo says

      May 23, 2012 at 6:16 am

      I've made this exact thing a while back and I'm with you on the deliciousness...I called it "pestocado" haha! I much prefer this creamy alternative to EVOO pesto! This sauce also tastes fabulous on shrimp so give it a shot- especially as you are well-stocked on the avocado front!

      Have you tried chocolate avocado mousse yet? It's on my 'to make' list but I've read great reviews about it! Another use of avocados which you may want to try, especially as the weather is warming up, is in smoothies. Apparently it's a great alternative to bananas in making smoothies extra creamy.

      Reply
    3. Ameena says

      May 23, 2012 at 3:02 pm

      This looks really tasty. I love avocados! I do have issues with the oxidation problem though...so I feel all this pressure to eat them super quick.

      Fabulous recipe. I'm inviting myself over next time I'm in town!

      Reply
    4. Jen @ The Scrumptious Pumpkin says

      May 23, 2012 at 4:34 pm

      Oh, avocados are one of my favorites so I'm totally loving this idea! Wow, does this look rich and creamy and flavorful! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Molliee says

      May 23, 2012 at 4:47 pm

      this is such a good idea! I love pesto and avocados so what could be better?? yummmmmmers

      Reply
    6. honeywhatscooking says

      May 23, 2012 at 5:10 pm

      @Khushboo - love your name - "pestocado." Haha, yeah shrimp is a good idea, I bet chicken would be amazing too. Too bad it oxidizes so fast. OMG, I heard about chocolate avocado mousse, I'll have to try it, everyone says it is amazing. Yup, smoothies are another good one. I seriously need to use them as a face mask.

      Reply
    7. honeywhatscooking says

      May 23, 2012 at 5:11 pm

      @Ameena - I'm with you on the oxidation. OMG, of course, you can come over, that's if you are willing to cross the Hudson. 🙂

      Reply
    8. honeywhatscooking says

      May 23, 2012 at 5:12 pm

      @Jen @Mollie - totally is a good idea and such a great way to incorporate antioxidants into your diet. Love avocado.. we really need more recipes on how to use them. Thanks ladies!

      Reply
    9. Catalina @ Cake with Love says

      May 23, 2012 at 6:17 pm

      I love using avocado in different sauces, the consistency is great! Love your pasta dish, can I come for a visit? I hope you have leftovers!

      Reply
    10. Tina Bk says

      May 23, 2012 at 7:38 pm

      Ha- you said yikes at the 10 avocados! I am sure that with your creative mind you will put all ten to a delicious use. You have started out with a winner, I know that by this time the dish is already gone. So the next time you create an avocado dish, enjoy some of it for me since I am not there! Deliciously done pasta!

      Reply
    11. Pam says

      May 23, 2012 at 10:57 pm

      Wow! That looks creamy and so delicious.

      Reply
    12. Sourwood Honey says

      May 24, 2012 at 1:05 am

      Looks delicious (of course pesto is always a plus) and your pictures are awesome.

      Reply
    13. Pencil Kitchen says

      May 24, 2012 at 1:36 am

      You're talking 10 avocados ripening at the same time?! YIKES indeed! but omg. I would have 5 plates of these, so i guess we're even...

      Reply
    14. Words Of Deliciousness says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:35 am

      I love avocados, this looks wonderful.
      I wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for an award. It is the Food Stories Award for Excellence in Storytelling. Check it out at (http://foodstoriesblog.com/food-stories-award/). Feel free to decline if you don't want to join in. Thanks, Dawn

      Reply
    15. Fashion Trends says

      May 24, 2012 at 9:27 am

      Fantastic site and fantastic recipe! It's so easy and so beautiful. I'll definitely give it a try! )

      Reply
    16. Asmita says

      May 24, 2012 at 2:15 pm

      Looks so creamy and delicious!

      Reply
    17. Baker Street says

      May 24, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      I'm sure you'll find a way to use 10 avocados. The pasta looks creamy and delicious.

      Reply
    18. Akila says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:52 pm

      its just amazing... love it...

      Event: Dish Name Starts With L
      Learning-to-cook
      Regards,
      Akila

      Reply
    19. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:57 pm

      @Catalina - haha.. anytime. I need to start using avocados in my sauces, I just don't like that it starts browning so quick.

      Reply
    20. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      @Tina - you are so sweet. Thank you... my creative mind made 3 dishes and used up 6 avocados, I gave the remaining 4 to my mom and sister so they could experience the difference with California Avocados. Not so creative after all. 😉

      Reply
    21. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:59 pm

      @Pam @Jay - thanks guys!

      Reply
    22. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:00 pm

      @Pencil Kitchen - thanks! This dish was quite filling with just 1 serving which is good in a way, prevents overeating. The rest of the time I snacked on Guac.

      Reply
    23. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:00 pm

      @Sourwood Honey - thanks, you're so sweet.

      Reply
    24. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:02 pm

      @Dawn - thank you so much... it is an honor. I'll check it out.

      Reply
    25. honeywhatscooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:03 pm

      @Fashion Trends
      @Asmita
      @Baker Street

      Thank you ALL!

      Reply
    26. Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:33 pm

      Oh my goodness gracious! This looks unbelievably delicious! What a great recipe - so easy, flavorful and perfectly green for spring! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    27. Parita says

      May 24, 2012 at 4:46 pm

      This looks amazing! I love the creaminess factor, as those kinds of sauces are my favorite. I love throwing frozen avocados in my morning smoothies...adds great texture.

      Reply
    28. Angie's Recipes says

      May 25, 2012 at 4:02 am

      I am going to get some avocados today to try. It looks dang comforting and delicious.

      Reply
    29. honeywhatscooking says

      May 25, 2012 at 5:30 am

      @Georgia - thanks girl. You're right, it is perfect for spring. 🙂

      Reply
    30. honeywhatscooking says

      May 25, 2012 at 5:31 am

      @Parita - I haven't tried avocados in smoothies, I could only imagine how radiant one's skin looks after. Thanks.

      Reply
    31. honeywhatscooking says

      May 25, 2012 at 5:32 am

      @Angie - thanks. It's pretty amazing.

      Reply
    32. Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says

      May 26, 2012 at 2:11 am

      I've made Angela's pasta pretty much any time I've had avocados laying around recently. It is SO GOOD! Mmm, I would come over and eat this any time!

      Reply
    33. honeywhatscooking says

      May 26, 2012 at 10:22 pm

      @Stephie - haha.. it's really yummy.. who knew something so healthy could taste this good. Thank you, and of course thanks to Angela!

      Reply
    34. eatgood4life.blogspot.com says

      May 27, 2012 at 3:21 pm

      What a great idea. I have never seen this before but sure this is healthy and perhaps super yummy. I will keep this one for future reference. I love pasta all day, everyday and any day 🙂

      Reply
    35. honeywhatscooking says

      May 28, 2012 at 6:09 am

      @eatgood4life - this is a good recipe.. I love pasta.. but not everyday. 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
    36. Amy (Savory Moments) says

      May 28, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      I bet this is so creamy and delicious. Avocados are so good.

      Reply
    37. Cathleen says

      May 28, 2012 at 11:21 pm

      This looks absolutely mouthwatering! I am in love with both pasta and pesto. This is a must try in my book

      Reply
    38. honeywhatscooking says

      May 28, 2012 at 11:30 pm

      @Amy @Cathleen - thanks guys.. it is really delicious.

      Reply
    39. Ishare says

      October 19, 2012 at 10:14 pm

      WOW! This looks great and simply delicious. I havent tried that yet but I am sure it's gonna come out pretty good since I make veg. pasta at home already. On a different note your blog/site looks awesome. You got some great vegetarian recipes here. Keep up the good work!!! 🙂

      Reply
    40. honeywhatscooking says

      October 20, 2012 at 12:46 am

      @Ishare (Deepti) - thank you. This dish was really good, but make sure you eat it while still warm. Thank you for your kind words.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nisha! I'm a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the way, I inspire you to eat better.

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