Creamy Avocado Pasta Rich and Flavorful Meal

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 2 whole ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 whole lemon, juiced
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• to taste salt and pepper
• optional crushed red pepper flakes
• for topping cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, combine the avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. In the pot used to cook the pasta, add the drained pasta and the avocado sauce. Toss together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Give the pasta a good mix to ensure even seasoning.
5. Divide the creamy avocado pasta into bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves for garnish. Sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top if desired.