Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (healthy, high fiber)
NUTRITION: Avocados are rich in Antioxidants and are a good source of Fiber, Folic Acid, and Vitamins B6, C, E and K. In addition, they help lower cholesterol and contain anti-cancerous properties. Whole Grain pasta is a great source of Protein and Fiber. Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin K and a very good source of Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin A. Although high in fat, cheese is a good source of Calcium and Protein.
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories:
Ingredients
- * omit the parmesan cheese in this recipe if you are Vegan
- Pot of Water
- Barilla Whole Grain Penne – 1-13.5 ounce box
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Lemon juice – 1
- Lemon zest – 1
- California Avocados – 2
- Fresh Basil Leaves – handful I love basil, so I added a big handful
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tbsp the original recipe calls for 4 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper – 1 tsp use less if you can't handle heat
- Starchy Pasta Water reserved – 1/4 cup
- Parmesan Cheese – garnish on top 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 1/4 cup or a little more to thin out the sauce to your liking.
- Optional, top with some parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
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