Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce

This creamy pasta dish feels indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to heart-healthy avocado! The flavorful avocado and spinach sauce is so creamy and thick you will think cream is hiding in there. But the guilt-free sauce is dairy-free with a rich texture. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

• 

  Total Time

  Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
• 

  Makes

  10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) protein plus rotini
• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• Optional: shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest

Directions

• Cook rotini according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, place avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream.
• Drain rotini; transfer to a large bowl. Add avocado mixture and tomatoes; toss to coat. Top with pine nuts and toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.

Taste of Home Editors