Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pasta water

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, combine the avocados, olive oil, garlic, basil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  4. In the large bowl, add cooked pasta and sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water until the sauce coats pasta properly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.