Pasta is a popular dish that most people enjoy. However, if you’re looking for a healthier and tastier pasta recipe, then you need to try basil and avocado pesto pasta.
This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and packed full of nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep your body healthy. In this article, we will explain how to make this delicious and healthy recipe step by step.
Ingredients
To prepare the basil and avocado pesto pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:.
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 50g fresh basil leaves
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 50g pine nuts
- 50g parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 100ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the delicious basil and avocado pesto pasta:.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt, then add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a food processor or blender, add the peeled and pitted avocados, fresh basil leaves, crushed garlic clove, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- With the food processor or blender on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together and becomes a thick, smooth sauce.
- Add the sauce to the cooked pasta. Mix well until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
- You can serve the basil and avocado pesto pasta hot, warm, or chilled. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
If you want to add more flavor and texture to your basil and avocado pesto pasta, try these variations:.
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- Add cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or fresh arugula to the pasta. These ingredients will give a natural sweetness and a refreshing taste to your dish.
- Instead of pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or cashews. These nuts will give a nuttier flavor and a crunchier texture to the sauce.
- If you want a spicier pesto, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you’re a vegan, you can omit the parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. This way, you can still have a cheesy taste without consuming any animal products.
Health Benefits of Basil and Avocado Pesto Pasta
The basil and avocado pesto pasta recipe is not only delicious and popular, but it is also packed full of healthy nutrients that can benefit your body. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe:.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that is widely used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Basil has several health benefits that include:.
- Rich in antioxidants that protect your body from harmful toxins and free radicals.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in your body.
- Contains essential oils that have a calming effect on your body and help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Is rich in vitamin K, which promotes healthy bones and blood clotting.
Avocado
Avocado is a superfood that is rich in healthy fats and nutrients. Avocado has several health benefits that include:.
- Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that help reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote good heart health.
- High in fiber that promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
- Contains antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals and prevent chronic diseases.
- Is rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevent stroke.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that is used in many culinary dishes. Pine nuts have several health benefits that include:.
