# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz macaroni or short pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water
→ Avocado Pesto Sauce
03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
05 - 2 cloves garlic
06 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/4 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
14 - Cracked black pepper
# Step-by-step guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining through a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, combine peeled avocados, fresh basil, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy. If needed, add additional milk in small increments to achieve a silky consistency.
03 - Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado pesto sauce over the pasta and toss gently until evenly coated. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach desired sauce consistency and ensure smooth coating.
04 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper. Transfer to serving dishes immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper.
