Spaghetti with Creamy Avocado Pesto & Roasted Tomatoes

There’s nothing hearty than a pasta coated in rich creamy sauce. And thanks to Aviva Goldfarb’s new book The Six O’ Clock Scramble, we have this healthy alternative to cream… Avocados! This awesome plant-based substitute is the base to a delicious pasta that’ll win any kid over with its tangy and garlicky flavor.

Serves 9

Ingredients
16 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
5/8 teaspoon salt
16 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (2–3 cloves)
1/2 lemon, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided use

Method:
Do ahead or delegate: Halve the tomatoes, cook the spaghetti, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking, peel the garlic, juice the lemon, and grate the cheese, if necessary.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

2. Spread the tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions in salted water until it is al dente.

3. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, purée the garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons oil until smooth. Add the avocados, basil (reserve 5 basil leaves to slice thinly and serve on top of the pasta, if desired), and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and blend until creamy.

4. In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, the avocado sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Top the pasta with the tomatoes (do this at the table if you have picky eaters), and season it with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese, if desired.

Flavor Booster: Serve it with crushed red pepper flakes, and top the pasta with 1/2–1 teaspoon lemon zest.

What other ways do you use avocado? Leave a comment below!

Aviva Goldfarb’s ”The Six O’ Clock Scramble” is a handy guide for busy parents. Get healthy meals on the table quickly and easily night after night with this 52-week meal plan. The recipes in this book are even optimized for those living with diabetes. The website TheScramble.com  is already known for offering up a bevy of recipes that minimize cooking time so you can spend more time with your family. 

©2016 by the American Diabetes Association, Inc.® To order this book, please call 1-800-232-6733 or order online at ShopDiabetes.org