Creamy Avocado Pasta

PREP TIME: 5 to 10 minutes  COOK TIME: 8 to 10 minutes

Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, grain-free options available

Praised for how easy it is to prepare and for its dairy-free avocado cream sauce, this recipe is a favorite. Heart-healthy avocados are processed with garlic, a touch of olive oil, fresh basil, lemon juice, and sea salt to create one amazing creamy pasta sauce you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients

9 oz uncooked pasta (use gluten-free, if desired)
1 to 2 cloves garlic, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
4 to 6 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 or 2 ripe medium avocado, pitted
1/4 to 1/2 tsp fine-grain sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon zest, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.

2. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce: In a food processor, combine the garlic and basil and pulse to mince.

3. Add the lemon juice, oil, avocado flesh, and 1 tbsp  water and process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add another 1 tsp water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Drain the pasta and place it back in the pot. Add the avocado sauce and stir until combined. You can gently rewarm the pasta if it has cooled slightly, or simply serve it at room temperature.

5. Top with lemon zest, pepper, and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips:

This sauce is best served immediately. If you do have leftover sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

For a grain-free version, serve this avocado sauce with spiralized squash or zucchini.  For a bit of added protein top with grilled shrimp, chicken or tofu.

*Adapted from The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon