Ingredients

The following ingredients have 3 Servings
  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (I used orecchiette)
  • 1 pound asparagus (tough ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium ripe avocado ( halved and peeled with the pit removed)
  • 1 clove garlic (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (plus additional for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (plus additional for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional for cooking the pasta)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 small green onions (thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup))
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional for serving)

Instruction

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta. About 3 minutes before the pasta is due to finish cooking to al dente (according to package instructions), add the asparagus and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Add the avocado, garlic, Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender. Process on high for 20 to 30 seconds, until smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium low. Add the green onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until soft. Add the arugula and peas and cook another 2 minutes, until the arugula is wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the drained pasta and asparagus. 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 additional salt and/or pepper as desired. Serve immediately.