Creamy Avocado & Cherry Tomato Pesto Pasta

• 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as substitute)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the avocado pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until roughly blended.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the pesto until creamy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse briefly just to combine. If the pesto is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the avocado pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, add additional reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to achieve a silky sauce that clings well.
5. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Toss lightly to distribute.
6. Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve immediately for best flavor and creaminess.

Chef tips

• Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure a smooth, creamy pesto without bitterness.
• If pine nuts are not available, walnuts or almonds make a great substitute with a different but pleasant flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; the starchy water helps the sauce bind beautifully to the noodles.
• For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and ensure pasta contains no egg.