Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (healthy, high fiber)
Try this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- * omit the parmesan cheese in this recipe if you a
- 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 reci
- salt – 1 tsp
- black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- crushed red pepper – 1 tsp (use less if you can't
- starchy pasta water (reserved) – 1/4 cup
- parmesan cheese – garnish on top (optional)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Start by boiling a pot of water on high heat.
- 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.
- 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 ⅛ cup or a little more to thin out the sauce to your liking.
- Optional, top with some parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta fits the bill perfectly!
This recipe is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I need a satisfying and healthy meal on the table quickly. The creamy avocado pesto is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The vibrant green color is visually appealing, and the rich, nutty flavor is incredibly satisfying. I love how the creamy avocado perfectly complements the texture of the pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta – whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can also adjust the amount of spices to your liking. A little extra red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness. I often add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete protein-packed meal.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly healthy. Avocados are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, while basil provides antioxidants and a refreshing flavor. Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body without sacrificing taste. This pasta dish is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a casual get-together with friends.
Beyond the Recipe: Quick Tips for Busy Weeknights
Cooking healthy doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few tips that I've learned along the way to help streamline my weeknight cooking routine:
- Meal Prep: On the weekends, I often chop vegetables and prepare other ingredients that I can use throughout the week. This saves valuable time during the week.
- One-Pan Meals: These minimize cleanup time and make cooking less stressful.
- Embrace Leftovers: Don’t be afraid to make extra and enjoy leftovers for lunch or another dinner.
- Keep it Simple: Choose recipes with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Get the Family Involved: Involving the kids in the cooking process can make it a fun and educational experience.
Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions
This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Veggie Power-Up: Incorporate other vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or sauteed spinach.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of cheese, like goat cheese or ricotta.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. It’s a perfect example of how a busy mom like myself can create a delicious and nourishing meal without sacrificing precious time or energy. So, go ahead, try this recipe, and let me know what you think!
