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

Text Ingredients

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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.