Healthy Avocado Pesto Pasta

Looking for a vibrant and nutritious way to enjoy pasta? Look no further than our healthy avocado pesto pasta! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day. With its rich, creamy texture, this recipe uses just five simple ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party, our healthy avocado pesto pasta is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 ripe avocados
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• juice from 1 lemon

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Steps to Make Healthy Avocado Pesto Pasta

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

In the meantime, prepare your pesto sauce by mashing together two ripe avocados in a medium-sized bowl with three minced garlic cloves. The key here is to smash them down into a smooth paste; you can use a fork or a potato masher for this step. It's important that they are mashed enough so as not to have big chunks of avocado in the pesto.

Next, slowly incorporate 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil while stirring continuously. You should be able to gradually blend it into your mixture. Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency, and then add the zest (outer part) of one lemon for that perfect citrus touch. Again, stir well so everything is thoroughly combined.

Once done with preparing your pesto sauce, gently toss the pasta with the freshly prepared avocado pesto to ensure every strand gets coated evenly. Serve immediately while hot on plates or bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips and Variations

1. If you prefer your sauce less creamy, simply reduce the amount of olive oil used when making the pesto.
2. To make this dish even healthier, consider using whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular pasta. It's higher in fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable and promotes digestive health.
3. Feel free to add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives if you want a bit more flavor complexity to your pesto sauce. Both of these ingredients will give the dish an extra layer of taste that pairs well with the avocado base.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This hearty meal is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. Each serving contains approximately:

• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Vitamin E: 20% of the daily recommended intake
• Folate: 35% of the daily recommended intake

The combination of healthy fats from avocados, protein-rich pasta, and vitamin C from lemon juice ensures this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it's an excellent way to boost your daily intake of vital vitamins and minerals!

Conclusion

Our healthy avocado pesto pasta recipe offers a quick yet impressive alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces for those seeking something fresh and flavorful. By using simple, readily available ingredients like avocados, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, you can create this dish effortlessly at home. Whether enjoyed as an everyday meal or shared during family gatherings, everyone will love this versatile, tasty pasta dish.