Avocado pesto pasta with spinach, pecans and lemon

Indulge in a healthy and delicious avocado pesto pasta with spinach, pecans, and a hint of lemon. This easy recipe combines whole-wheat pasta with creamy avocado, fresh spinach, basil, garlic, and crunchy pecans, all seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a flavorful meal.

  • 17 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 1 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Avocado pesto pasta with spinach, pecans and lemon

Looking for a healthy yet delicious pasta recipe? This Avocado Pesto Pasta with Spinach, Pecans, and Lemon is a perfect choice. It's packed with flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day. Whole-wheat pasta adds a hearty texture while the avocado-based pesto brings a creamy richness. Fresh spinach, basil, and a hint of lemon juice elevate the dish to a new level of freshness.

Ingredients:

4 oz whole-wheat pasta
110g
1 avocado
200g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 cup spinach
30g
1 oz pecans
27g
1 cup basil leaves
6g
1 tbsp lemon juice
16g
1 tsp salt
6g
1 tsp black pepper
2.10g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
1. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Add the whole-wheat pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
1. While the pasta is cooking, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a food processor.
2. Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the food processor.
3. Add the spinach, pecans, basil leaves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor as well.
4. Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If needed, you can add a small amount of water or extra lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the freshly prepared avocado pesto.
2. Toss the pasta well to ensure it is evenly coated with the pesto sauce.
4. Serve:
1. Divide the Avocado Pesto Pasta into serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish with additional basil leaves or some chopped pecans, if desired.
5. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and delicious Avocado Pesto Pasta with Spinach, Pecans, and Lemon!

Tips:

- Ensure the avocado is ripe to achieve a creamy texture in the pesto.

- Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the food processor to enhance their flavor.

- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can add it to the sauce to make it silkier and help it adhere better to the pasta.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to yield more juice.

- Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

Avocado Pesto Pasta with Spinach, Pecans, and Lemon is not only a visual treat but also a nutritional powerhouse. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday meal yet sophisticated enough for a dinner party. Follow these steps, use fresh ingredients, and you'll have a dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy your meal!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size410 grams
Energy
Calories 710kcal36%
Protein
Protein 16g10%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 60g17%
Fiber 22g58%
Sugar 3.89g4%
Fat
Fat 50g61%
Saturated 6g21%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug14%
Choline 54mg10%
Vitamin B1 0.54mg45%
Vitamin B2 0.48mg37%
Vitamin B3 8mg48%
Vitamin B6 0.84mg49%
Vitamin B9 230ug58%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 36mg41%
Vitamin E 6mg37%
Vitamin K 220ug181%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 110mg9%
Copper, Cu 1.07mg119%
Iron, Fe 4.59mg42%
Magnesium, Mg 190mg46%
Phosphorus, P 360mg28%
Potassium, K 1420mg42%
Selenium, Se 44ug80%
Sodium, Na 2370mg158%
Zinc, Zn 4.36mg40%
Water
Water 270g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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