Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac (Print version)

A vibrant fusion pasta featuring luscious avocado and basil pesto sauce tossed with tender macaroni for a creamy, flavorful meal.

# Required ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz macaroni or short pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

→ Avocado Pesto Sauce

03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
05 - 2 cloves garlic
06 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/4 cup milk, dairy or plant-based unsweetened
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
14 - Cracked black pepper

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain thoroughly.
02 - While pasta cooks, combine avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional milk as needed to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour in the avocado pesto sauce and toss gently to coat all pasta. Gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in under 5 minutes with zero cooking required
  • You get all the creaminess of comfort food with the nutritional boost of avocados
  • Its naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan diets
02 -
  • The sauce will thicken as it sits, so keep that pasta water handy to loosen it up
  • Avocado sauce darkens with exposure to air, but the lemon juice helps slow this down significantly
  • This dish is best enjoyed the moment its made, not as leftovers
03 -
  • Scrape down the sides of your food processor mid blend to ensure everything gets silky smooth
  • Make double the sauce and use the extra as a dip for vegetables or spread for sandwiches
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