Avocado Pesto

Name: Avocado Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti; 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled; 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield 4 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Enjoy a creamy and flavorful dinner with this avocado pesto pasta recipe. Ready in only 30 minutes, this dish combines fresh basil, ripe avocado and a hint of lemon for a nutritious and tasty weeknight meal.

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions for al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Meanwhile, place avocado, basil, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until blended. Add water to reach desired consistency
Drain spaghetti; return to pan. Add sauce and toss to coat. If desired, top with Parmesan, mozzarella and lime zest.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 330 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.

Serve this avocado sauce with your favorite pasta as a main dish or side dish. If you'd like to make it heartier, toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Recipe Creator