Avocado Pesto Pasta

There are so many ways to improve a pesto pasta and using avocado adds a real creaminess to your dish.

This is a delicious meal on its own, or can easily be combined with your favourite protein source. A quick and easy 10-minute dinner, or prep ahead for your lunch box!

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

✔️ 2 avocados

✔️ 2 cloves garlic

✔️ 2 tbsp (40g) pine nuts

✔️ 2 large handfuls basil leaves

✔️ 1 handful parsley

✔️ Juice ½ lemon

✔️ 3 tbsp olive oil

✔️ 300g Wholewheat penne

✔️ Handful spinach

✔️ Salt & Pepper

✔️ Dried chilli flakes

✔️ Additional source of protein (tofu, beans, cheese)

METHOD

1️⃣ Cook pasta according to pack instructions.

2️⃣ In the meantime, prepare the pesto. Add the avocados, garlic, pine nuts, basil, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper to a food processor. Pulse on full speed until it forms a creamy paste, scraping down the sides mid-way through, if needed.

3️⃣ When the pasta is cooked (usually about 10 minutes), drain and mix with a handful of spinach until it starts to wilt. Pour over some more boiling water to wilt further, and drain well.

4️⃣ Add the pesto to the pasta, stirring to coat. Season with pepper and dried chilli flakes, and sprinkle over some pine nuts and chopped parsley. Enjoy warm, or as a pasta salad in your lunch box!