This post is sponsored by Mission Produce Avocados but all opinions expressed are my own. Thanks for supporting partnerships that make Nutrition Happen!

Let’s face it: we are all avocado obsessed around here! And for good reason – they’re low in sugar but high in healthy fats and fiber with over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a super versatile ingredient to add into anything you can think of: salads, sandwiches, soups, omelets, smoothies – even desserts! 

But hear me out: pasta + avocado. Can you think of a more PERFECT combination? I LOVE making this Avocado Protein Pasta Sauce using Mission Avocados because not only does it make the sauce crazy creamy (and dreamy!), but it’s an easy way to add extra nutrients into a quick weeknight pasta meal. Plus, it’s another fully plant forward option that has plant based protein so you don’t need to add other protein sources unless you want to! 

Did you know that the outer avocado color is not always an indicator of ripeness? The best way to determine ripeness is to actually feel for a uniform softness! I know that finding the perfect avocado is like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow so take this tip with you the next time you shop for avocados. Mission Produce Avocados is meeting the demand for avocados globally by planting more sustainable avocado trees. I love supporting companies that provide more healthy and delicious foods to people all across the world. Ready to try the Avocado Protein Pasta? Recipe below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make it! 

Avocado Protein Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 4-6 servings 

Ingredients:

Pasta:

• 8 ounces dry pasta – your choice
• ½ lb asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Basil for garnish 
• 1 tsp olive oil 

Sauce:

• 1/2 pack silken tofu
• 1 whole Mission Produce Avocado 
• 1/4 cup plant milk – your choice
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast 
• 2 tsp each garlic + onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 lemon, juiced 
• Salt + pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

1. Heat water and boil pasta according to instructions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside. 
2. In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients for the sauce and blend until smooth. 
3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium low. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and and cook for another 2 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly soft. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the drained pasta. 
4. Add the avocado sauce and toss gently to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed if the pasta is too thick or clumping together. Taste and add chopped basil and additional salt and/or pepper as desired. Serve immediately.