Avocado Pesto Caprese Penne Pasta

Avocado Pesto Caprese Penne Pasta. Healthy, delicious, and perfect for summer.

pesto caprese penne pasta with fresh basil, mini heirloom tomatoes, and grated parmesan with fresh lemon

Ingredients You’ll Need:

This simple, summery pasta is made with simple, fresh ingredients and so easy to whip up!

  • Fresh basil leaves.
  • Avocado.
  • Garlic.
  • Olive oil.
  • Walnuts. (you can also use pine nuts or almonds)
  • Grated parmesan cheese.
  • Lemon.
  • Penne pasta.
  • Cherry tomatoes. (I used multicolored mini heirloom tomatoes and sliced the bigger ones in half)
  • Bocconcini. (mozzarella balls– I used marinated kind but you can use regular also!)
pesto caprese penne pasta in a big bowl topped with basil and parmesan

Why You’ll Love this pasta!

  • Healthy! The avocado walnut pesto is filled with heart healthy fats and antioxidants.
  • Easy. Once the pesto is made, this pasta only takes about 10-15 minutes to throw together.
  • Delicious leftover. This is one of those things that can be served right away or the next day! It’s delicious warm or cold. You will love it!

I’m using my new Dexas Sage Serving Bowl today and it’s the absolute perfect size. I’ve been using these bowls for EVERYTHING lately, from pasta to salads, they are multi-functional bowls that are high quality, look nice for prepping AND serving, and can be tossed in the dishwasher when you are finished. They come in this sage color as well as a bone/oat color. You can also find them here! Use the code TIPPS10 for 10% off your purchase on the Dexas Shop site!! I know you will love them.

pesto caprese penne pasta in a sage green serving bowl with fresh lemon and basil

Other Pasta Recipes to Try:

pesto caprese penne pasta in a bowl with fresh basil, parmesan, and lemon on a blue striped dish towel

As Always, Thank you so much for being here! If you make a recipe, A comment, star rating/review below is so very appreciated! It’s very helpful for me and also for other readers!

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Avocado Pesto Caprese Penne Pasta

pesto caprese penne pasta with fresh basil, mini heirloom tomatoes, and grated parmesan with fresh lemon

This 20 minute Avocado Pesto Caprese Penne Pasta is SO GOOD.  Perfect for summer, it’s light, refreshing, healthy, and full of flavor. 

  • Author: Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Healthy

Ingredients

For the Avocado Walnut Pesto:

  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 T minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup olive oil + 12 tablespoons as needed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (you can also use pine nuts, almonds)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt + pepper, to taste

For the pasta:

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb cherry tomatoes (I used multicolored mini heirloom tomatoes and sliced the bigger ones in half)
  • 24 oz marinated bocconcini (mozzarella balls)
  • Fresh torn basil, for serving
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving
Scale

Instructions

  1. To your blender or food processor, add all items for the pesto and pulse until smooth.  Adjust salt + pepper to taste and you can always add more lemon to your liking as well.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add penne pasta and cook per instructions on package. When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.  Toss with a little olive oil or knob of butter to keep from sticking.
  3. Toss cooked pasta with prepared avocado pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.  Top it all off with freshly torn basil leaves and more grated parmesan.

Notes:

*You can sub pine nuts, pistachios, or almonds and all will be delicious! 

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