AVOCADO PENNE

~ Noodle Worship: Easy Recipes for All the Dishes You Crave from Asian, Italian and American Cuisines, written by Tiffany Thompson and Larone Thompson

12 oz. dried penne
1 large avocado, peeled and pitted

2 T. lemon juice

1/4 c. olive oil

1 t. minced garlic

salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced
red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then remove from heat and drain pasta. 

In a food processor or blender, add avocado, lemon juice, oil, and garlic. Process until smooth. Add reserved pasta water and pulse to blend. Season with salt and pepper. 

Return pasta to cooking pot or transfer to serving dish, add avocado mixture, and stir until evenly coated. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes.