Creamy Avocado Pesto Mac

Vibrant fusion mac and cheese with creamy avocado basil pesto sauce. Easy 30-minute vegetarian meal for four.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 - Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

13 - Fresh basil leaves, optional

14 - Cracked black pepper, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - 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 of pasta water, then drain in a colander.

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. If needed, add more milk in small amounts to reach desired silky consistency.

03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour in the avocado pesto sauce and toss gently to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preference.

04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and black pepper if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -

You get all the comfort of creamy pasta without the post-meal heaviness
The sauce comes together in minutes while the pasta cooks
It's packed with healthy fats but tastes like pure decadence

02 -

This sauce is best enjoyed immediately as avocados naturally oxidize over time
The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting consistency
If making ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface to minimize browning

03 -