Simple Homemade Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• •12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
• •2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• •1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• •1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• •2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •2 tablespoons lemon juice
• •1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• •1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

3. 3

   Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

4. 4

   Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

5. 5

   Transfer the drained pasta back into the pot or a large bowl. Pour the avocado pesto over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

6. 6

   Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, or extra grated Parmesan cheese.