# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz macaroni or short pasta of choice
02 - 1 tsp 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 tbsp lemon juice, about 1/2 lemon
09 - 1/4 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant milk
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
14 - Cracked black pepper
# How to Make It:
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 the starchy pasta water before draining thoroughly.
02 - Combine avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until completely smooth and creamy, adding another splash of milk if needed to achieve a silky consistency.
03 - Return the drained pasta to the warm pot. Pour the avocado pesto sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce until it clings nicely to each piece.
04 - Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm, topped with additional grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper if desired.
