Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 10 servings
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) protein-enriched rotini (about 3-1/2 cups uncooked)
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves, halved
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest

Directions

  1. Cook rotini according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, place avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream.
  2. Drain rotini; transfer to a large bowl. Add avocado mixture and tomatoes; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts, and add toppings as desired.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.

Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Recipe Creator
Community Cook