CREAMY AVOCADO KALE PASTA

Creamy Avocado Kale Pasta image

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti (or another favorite pasta; we also like this with penne)
1/4 cup pine nuts (divided)
1 ripe avocado (pitted and peeled)
2 cups kale leaves (ribs removed and torn into medium pieces)
2 medium cloves garlic
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. RESERVE 1 CUP OF THE WATER YOU COOKED THE PASTA IN.
While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts. Place in a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons of the toasted pine nuts to a pitcher of a high-powered blender along with the avocado, kale, garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Puree until completely smooth, adding more water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to keep it moving.
Add cooked and drained pasta to your serving bowl. Pour the avocado-kale sauce over the top. Toss to combine. Top with remaining pine nuts. Serve immediately.