Creamy Avocado Pasta

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

     8 ounces bow tie pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions and drained
balsamic salad dressing (optional)
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese or Italian cheese blend
1 avocado, roughly mashed with a fork
juice of ½ lemon (about 1 T)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
salt & pepper to taste
optional: fresh parsley or other herbs, tomatoes, additional cheese

Directions:

1. In a food processor or blender combine mashed avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and salt and pepper and pulse until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
2. Add cooked pasta to a large bowl. Toss with avocado sauce until coated well. Add cheese and stir to combine.
3. Serve pasta at room temp or cold. Add tomatoes, fresh herbs, and additional cheese if desired. Drizzle with balsamic salad dressing immediately before eating.