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Avocado Pesto Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta

5 from 26 votes
This quick and easy avocado pesto pasta recipe is a personal favorite. It's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Author: Kim-Julie Hansen
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients 

For the Pasta

  • 7 oz 200 g of your favorite dry pasta (gluten-free if desired)

For the Avocado Pesto Pasta Sauce

  • ¼ cup 35 g pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1 packed cup 20 to 30 g fresh basil leaves
  • 1 packed cup about 30 g fresh baby spinach leaves
  • ¼ cup 60 mL olive oil
  • ¼ cup 60 mL water
  • 1 ripe avocado pit and peel removed
  • Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons
  • ¼ cup 15 g nutritional yeast
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1 pinch of ground black pepper

For the Toppings

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, in a small food processor, process the pine nuts, basil, and spinach using the pulse function until finely chopped but not pureed, then add all the other sauce ingredients and process until the sauce is blended yet still slightly chunky. Set aside.
  • While the pasta is still cooking, heat a small nonstick pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the pine nuts for the topping and toast until they're just golden brown (but not too dark). This should take only 1 to 2 minutes, so watch carefully and move them around the pan so they get toasted evenly.
  • Drain the pasta, transfer to a bowl, mix in the sauce, and top with the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and vegan parmesan cheese, if using.
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