Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

For the Creamy Pesto:

• 1 cup packed basil leaves
• 1 cup packed spinach leaves
• 1/2 large avocado
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Tomatoes:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish, optional
• basil leaves, for garnish, optional
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish, optional