Think elegant dinners have to take hours? Think again! This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta is fine dining at its best, and is ready in just 15 minutes!. It is quick, easy and downright delicious.
From beginning to end, this recipe is simple and straightforward. Each time I make it, I fall in love all over again. It has quickly become one of my favorite dishes.
The only limiting factor for me is how quickly my backyard basil plants can grow. Good news, I just planted some more seeds! In a few weeks, I will be in creamy pesto heaven!
Better news still. Most of you are probably a lot closer to a farmers’ market or local supermarket that has fresh basil readily available. That means more creamy pesto at your fingertips. Now that’s the life!
This pesto gets its smooth, creamy texture from the avocado. If there is one food I love most, it is certainly the avocado! It goes with everything. Literally EVERYTHING!
Most of all I love that this pasta feels like a restaurant experience, but can be made in just 15 minutes. It is elegant in it’s simplicity. A perfect Date Night meal that is sure to impress. Or a Dinner for One with instant left overs. That is if you can resist eating both plates. I normally can’t.
Sometimes after work, I am utterly exhausted, and in need of some extra time for self care. I prep this in just minutes, sit down to candlelight and maybe even open a bottle of wine. Date Night for One. And because I didn’t spend the whole night cooking, I have extra time to unwind with a book and bath.
An elegant dinner doesn’t have to take you hours. Don’t believe that for a second. Finally an easy recipe that brings restaurant elegance right to your kitchen table.
While the work week may be busy, I hope you Treat Yo Self and try out this recipe. Maybe even pour yourself a heavy handed glass of wine! You are a chef after all. At least for the night!
Next time you try this quick and elegant weeknight meal, leave a comment, rate it, and tag a picture #badveganlady on Instagram so we know how it turned out! Enjoy!
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Passive Time | 2-3 hours soaking |
| Servings |
people
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- 1 cup basil loosely packed
- ¼ cup raw cashews soaked, 2-3 hours
- ½ medium sized avocado
- ½ lemon squeezed
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Ingredients
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- A few hours before you plan to start cooking, soak the raw cashews in water. This step can be skipped if you are short on time, but then be sure to blend the cashews first to be sure they remain a creamy texture.
- Bring water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is boiling. Add all pesto ingredients into a food processor, except the avocado. Blend until a smooth. Then add the avocado and blend until creamy.
- Drain pasta and mix the avocado pesto into the noodles. Top with vegan Parmesan cheese or sun dried tomatoes. Enjoy!