Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac (Printable)

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

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 lemon juice
09 - 1/4 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

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

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - While pasta cooks, combine avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy, adding additional milk if needed to achieve silky consistency.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour avocado pesto sauce over pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while warm, topped with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The avocado creates the creamiest sauce without any heavy cream
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes restaurant special
02 -
  • Reserve that pasta water before draining, it transforms the sauce
  • The lemon juice isnt optional, it prevents the avocado from browning
03 -
  • If your sauce seems too thick, the pasta water is your secret weapon
  • Nutritional yeast works surprisingly well if you need it dairy free
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