Imagine a pasta dish so creamy, so unexpectedly delicious, that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience in just 25 minutes. Our Garlic Scape Pesto Avocado Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold, fresh flavors of garlic scapes with the luxurious creaminess of ripe avocado. Perfect for food lovers who crave something unique, this Italian-inspired dish will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests wonder how you became such a kitchen wizard!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining chopped garlic scapes, ripe avocado, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender.
- Pulse the ingredients until a smooth, creamy pesto consistency is achieved. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to thin.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately add the garlic scape and avocado pesto, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- If needed, add some reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta and create a silky texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot, optionally sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose ripe avocados that are soft but not mushy for the creamiest pesto texture.
- Save some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use fresh garlic scapes for the most vibrant, green flavor - they're typically available in early summer at farmers markets.
- Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is key for the best texture and to help the sauce cling perfectly.
- For extra richness, toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle on top before serving.
- If garlic scapes are hard to find, substitute with regular garlic or green onions.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamy, flavorful best!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
