Meatless Monday: Avocado Pesto Pasta

My family is working towards a healthier lifestyle.  My beloved's total weight loss to date:  30 lbs.  Wow!  HERE is what got him started.  I have been auditioning new healthy dishes that don't sacrifice taste and found success with this avocado pesto pasta.  Delicious!  It's rich and creamy and the cheese isn't missed at all.  And, it's super kid friendly.

Printer-friendly recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. of your favorite pasta (I used brown rice penne)
1 bunch of fresh basil, reserve some leaves to use as a garnish
2 avocados, pitted and peeled
1/2 c. pine nuts
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta in boiling water per package instructions.  Drain.

To make the pesto sauce, combine the following in food processor:  fresh basil, pine nuts, avocado, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and vegetable broth.  Process until creamy.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine pasta and pesto sauce.  Garnish each plate with remaining fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy!

~Merrill ♥