Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac

A vibrant twist on classic mac and cheese, this Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac features a luscious avocado and basil pesto sauce tossed with tender pasta for a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that is ready in just 30 minutes.

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Combining the herbaceous notes of a traditional Italian pesto with the smooth, creamy texture of avocado, this fusion dish offers a unique alternative to heavy dairy-based sauces.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) macaroni or short pasta of choice, 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
• Avocado Pesto Sauce: 2 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted), 40 g (1 cup, loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon), 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Garnish (optional): Extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, combine avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash more milk if needed to reach a silky sauce consistency.

Step 3

Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour in the avocado pesto sauce and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 4

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, basil, and black pepper if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps the creamy avocado sauce emulsify and stick to the macaroni perfectly without becoming too thick.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based milk. You can also add extra texture by stirring in cherry tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, or sautéed spinach.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado sauce may darken over time due to oxidation. Serve immediately with a generous topping of extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

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With its vibrant green color and rich, herbaceous taste, this Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac is an easy way to bring a fresh and healthy upgrade to your weekly pasta rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh since avocado can darken over time. However, you can prepare the pasta in advance and store the avocado pesto separately in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize oxidation. Toss together just before serving.

→ How do I prevent the avocado sauce from being too thick?

The reserved pasta water is key to achieving the right consistency. Add it gradually while tossing the pasta with the sauce. If you prefer a looser sauce, increase the milk or pasta water by small increments until you reach your desired texture.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short, tubular pastas like macaroni, penne, or rigatoni work wonderfully as they trap the creamy pesto sauce in their centers. Avoid very thin pasta as it may become overwhelmed by the rich sauce.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami flavor and use unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, oat, or cashew milk. The result is equally creamy and delicious.

→ What can I add for more protein and nutrition?

Stir in roasted chickpeas, white beans, or grilled chicken for extra protein. Sautéed spinach, blanched broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes add nutritional value and complement the pesto beautifully.

→ How do I choose ripe avocados for this dish?

Select avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. Avoid ones with dark blemishes or those that feel rock-hard. For best results, use them the same day you purchase them to ensure optimal creaminess and flavor.