Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta
Avocado's are the rage, so why not make a pasta sauce from them?! We boosted the green and the health with spinach. Trust us, this antioxidant rich sauce will become a regular in your house, it is friggin' amazing, you don't have to share just how nutrient dense and good for you it is. Eat up!
Avocados are loaded with fiber and healthy fats and are abundant in vitamins K, E, C, B5 B6, Folate and potassium. Spinach is low in fat and even lower in cholesterol, high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. Pairing with Rice pasta keeps it gluten free and adds to the nutrient density!
INGREDIENTS
10-12 oz rice pasta (any style is fine)
2 small cloves garlic
1 large avocado
1 cup spinach
1/4 cup fresh basil or 2 tbsp frozen pureed basil
1/4 cup parmesan cheese- shredded
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup pasta water (from the cooked pasta- while it is cooking and almost done)
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp red chili pepper flakes + extra for garnish
1 tbsp roasted pine nuts for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium saucepan cook the pasta according to directions on package. Use a little extra water so you can use 1 cup before the pasta is done cooking. Drain when done and set aside back in sauce pan, do not heat yet.
To make the sauce add the rest of the ingredients to blender (a regular blender works just fine) and blend for about 2 minutes on high.
Add the blended sauce over the pasta in sauce pan and warm.
Separate into bowls and garnish with chili pepper flakes and pine nuts. Enjoy