LOVE AT FIRST BITE Avocado and Spinach Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Valentine's Day doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. Skip the reservations and spend the evening cooking up something simple, fresh, and unforgettable. Ingredients: z 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work great!) z 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped z 1/2 cup heavy cream z 2 tbsp olive oil z 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved z 2 cups fresh spinach z 2 garlic cloves, minced z Juice of 1 lemon z Salt and pepper, to taste z Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish) z Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) Instructions: 1. Cook the Pasta : Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later. 2. Roast the Tomatoes : Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
3. Prepare the Avocado Sauce : In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, heavy cream, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. 4. Sauté the Spinach : In a large pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. 5. Combine : Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the spinach, then pour the creamy avocado sauce over the top. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. 6. Finish and Serve : Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
17
February 2025
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