# What You'll 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 Directions:
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.
02 - 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, adding additional milk if needed to achieve a silky consistency.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado pesto sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning to preference. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
