5.0 from 210 votes
Amazing Avocado Pesto Pasta
How to make super creamy and delicious 7-ingredient avocado pesto, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and a quick and nutritious 15-minute avocado pesto pasta. + Oil-free and nut-free variations included!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 456 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pistachios (walnuts will work too)
- 2 large very ripe avocados
- 2 ounces of fresh basil leaves
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- ⅛ cup of olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- pasta of your choice
- ¼ Fresh Lemon
Instructions
- In a medium pot over medium-high heat, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
- While the pasta cooks, add the pistachios to the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender and pulse until the nuts are broken down.
- Add the avocados, basil, garlic, cumin to the bowl of the processor and wiz it on high. While the pesto is forming, slowly add the oil to the mix. Stop and scrape down the sides and taste. Add any salt or pepper at this time.
- Drain your pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta and pesto in a large mixing bowl and toss around. Use the pasta water to thin out the pesto and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, a little more salt and pepper to top it off.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Growing herbs (like basil) is a great way to save money. Pick off the leaves you need and allow them to replenish. Learn how to store fresh herbs to last here.
- For oil-free avocado pesto: Use water or vegetable broth instead.
- To make a pasta salad: Cook the pasta in advance and allow it to cool before adding the pesto and any additional veggies.
- Adjust the consistency: Thin it to your desired level with water or vegetable broth (i.e., for dipping vs. drizzling).
Nutrition Information
Calories
456kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
36g
(55%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
Monounsaturated Fat
22g
Sodium
20mg
(1%)
Potassium
902mg
(26%)
Fiber
11g
(44%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1029IU
(21%)
Vitamin C
17mg
(19%)
Calcium
83mg
(8%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 456
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 456kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Sodium | 20mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 902mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1029IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.