It’s a busy weeknight, you’ve just walked through the door, and exhaustion sets in. Give yourself a break with the simplest, velvety vegan Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti tonight. This airy pasta is packed with avocado, fresh basil, crunchy walnuts, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. And guess what? It’s on your plate in just 10 minutes. Weeknight cooking has never felt this breezy!
Table of Contents
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti Recipe Video:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g (14oz) spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Pesto:
- Slice the avocados in half, take out the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the creamy goodness into a food processor.
- Add the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients:
- Start blending the ingredients in the food processor. As it blends, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti:
- Fill a pot with plenty of water and add a good amount of salt. Heat it until the water is vigorously boiling. Add the spaghetti and cook it as per the instructions on the package, aiming for an ‘al dente’ texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine the Pesto and Spaghetti:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the avocado basil pesto. Toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the pesto.
Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes:
- Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the avocado basil pesto spaghetti among four plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s still warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti Nutrition Information:
| Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe) | Calories: 560 |
| Total Fat: 34g | 52% |
| – Saturated Fat: 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol: 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium: 220mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates: 57g | 19% |
| – Dietary Fiber: 12g | 48% |
| – Sugars: 5g | |
| Protein: 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin D: 1mcg | 6% |
| Calcium: 220mg | 17% |
| Iron: 4mg | 22% |
| Potassium: 900mg | 19% |
Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti Health Benefits:
- Avocados: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They promote heart health and are good for the skin.
- Basil: A good source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. It possesses antioxidants that have the potential to alleviate inflammation.
- Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. They may support heart health and brain function.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits like reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s linked to reduced risk of heart disease and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Storage Instructions:
Keep your Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti fresh for later enjoyment with these simple storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste and freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, allow the spaghetti to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and freeze. Enjoy within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
Reheating Instructions:
Step 1: Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the desired portion of spaghetti to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake for around 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Step 2: Microwave Method:
- Transfer a portion of spaghetti onto a microwave-safe dish.
- Place a damp paper towel over it to retain moisture.
- Heat it on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated evenly throughout.
Reuse Instructions:
Transform your leftover Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti into exciting new dishes with these creative ideas:
- Pesto Pasta Salad: Combine leftover spaghetti with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing pasta salad.
- Spaghetti Frittata: Whip up a spaghetti frittata by mixing leftover spaghetti with beaten eggs, diced vegetables, and grated cheese. Cook it in a skillet until set for a delicious and hearty meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use leftover spaghetti as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Mix it with cooked ground meat or tofu, marinara sauce, and cheese. Bake it until the peppers become tender and the filling starts bubbling.
Chef’s Tips:
- Experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create your own unique pasta dish. Try adding roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra flavor and protein.
- Don’t limit yourself to just spaghetti! This creamy avocado basil pesto pairs well with other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle, as well as spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
- Enjoy your leftover Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti in creative ways to minimize food waste and maximize flavor!
Note: Ensure that reheated spaghetti reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti Cooking Tips
- Whip up some extra pesto! This versatile sauce can elevate various dishes. Slather it on toast or layer it in a sandwich. You can even turn it into a delightful quinoa salad by mixing it with cooked quinoa, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and kale. A fantastic lunch options!
- When storing the extra pesto, ensure it’s in a tightly sealed, airtight container. Avocado tends to darken over time, so don’t be alarmed if the vibrant green turns into a deeper olive hue. To counter this, consider placing a layer of plastic cling wrap directly on the surface to minimize oxidation.
Conclusion:
Wrap up your mealtime with this Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti, a dish that’s not only a breeze to make but also a burst of Flavors. The creamy avocado, zesty basil, and hearty walnuts create a symphony of taste that’s hard to beat. Plus, with garlic and olive oil in the mix, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also your health. This recipe isn’t just about a quick dinner—it’s about savouring every bite. Make it a regular in your kitchen and let those weeknight dinners be a joy.