Garlicy avocado pasta.. Can you say, Yummm!?

Mmm mmm mmm.. I made this pasta for lunch today and am still reminiscing over just how tasty it was.

Creamy Garlic Avocado Pasta (2-3 servings)
Adapted from: this recipe.
This pasta is decadently creamy & oh-so-delicious.The acid from the lemon, combined with the fresh garlic, adds the perfect kick to the rich avocado sauce. And to think it only took me under 20 minutes to whip up. Perfect for times when you're in a rush or lookin' for an quick, easy, and tasty recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium avocado, pitted & peeled
• 1/2 lemon
• 2-3 cloves garlic (I used 3 cloves. It was nice and garlicy, so if you're not as big of a garlic fan as me then I'd recommend 2 cloves)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 oz of your choice pasta (Spaghetti or angel hair varieties would work best)
• Dash of dried basil
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Note: I also added some steamed veggies for the extra nutritional boost! :)

Directions:

1. Heat a few cups of water in a medium sized pot. Bring to boil & add in pasta. Reduce to medium-high heat and cook pasta until al dente. Should take 8-10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, combine the avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, salt and garlic cloves in a food processor. Mix until consistency is smooth and creamy.
3. As soon as the pasta finishes cooking, remove it from heat and drain the noodles.
4. Combine the pasta with the sauce and mix well. Garnish with pepper & enjoy!

(Quick Tip: DON'T rinse the noodles after straining them. People do this to keep the noodles from sticking to one another, however it washes of some off the starch on the outside of the noodles that actually aids in helping the sauce stick to the noodles. Also, some of the nutrients from the noodles get washed off in that process too.)

I have a feeling I'm going to be making this pasta quite often from now on.

This sauce is a great alternative to your typical cream sauce. Avocado's are high in fat and calories, however, they contain mostly heart healthy "monounsaturated fat"-which actually helps to lower your bad cholesterol! Avocado is also GREAT for your skin and hair.

Another benefit: This is a great recipe if you are (or feel like you might be becoming) sick. Garlic is a great remedy for infections (in addition to being heart healthy). So eat up! =)

A long time comin'..

Well heeeeere it is :) I've been wanting to start a blog for over a year now & am just now FINALLY getting around to it! Well, you know what they always say.. Better late than never. :)

"Eat. Pray. Run." is my healthy living blog dedicated to inspiring and motivating others to lead full, happy, and healthy lives! Ever since my dad had lung cancer, first in 2001 and a second time in 2006, my family has tried to make an even bigger effort to live a healthier lifestyle. (<--In depth explaination to come later!) But, it wasn't until the second time around that I really chose for myself to try and be the healthiest "me" that I can be. Best. Decision. Ever.

Hopefully I can help influence you to make some positive changes for yourself too. :)

-Jules

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." ~John Quincy Adams