Linguine with Avocado and Arugula Pesto

Yummm!  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I love Giada's new cookbook, "Giada's Kitchen."  And have found a new recipe to obsess over, Linguine with Avocado and Arugula Pesto.  It was so very easy but was satisfying and had amazing flavor! Most work nights, I do not cook or at least try anything new.  This recipe was a great week night meal!  I did not take many pictures but here are the two that I took:

The pesto was a great shade of green

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 2 medium avocados, halved, peeled, and seeded (about 12 ounces total)
• 3 cups baby arugula leaves (3 ounces)
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 large limes)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan (4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Cook's Note: To toast the almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Place in a serving bowl.

Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from the avocados and place in a food processor. Add the arugula, basil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss together. Add the cheese and almonds and toss together until coated, adding the pasta water, as needed, to loosen the sauce

The finished product!

Enjoy!