A tasty change from regular stuffed pasta shells are these Avocado Pesto Stuffed Shells. To make the filling more flavorful and rich, avocado pesto is added. Cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes add a bit of brightness and heat.
Ingredients: 1 box jumbo pasta shells. 2 ripe avocados. 2 cups fresh basil leaves. 1/4 cup pine nuts. 2 cloves garlic. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Fresh basil leaves, for garnish. Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish.
Instructions: Follow the directions on the package to cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Remove the water and set it aside. Ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil should all be put in a food processor and mixed together. Pulse until it's smooth. For a tasty pesto, add salt and pepper to taste. Before you start cooking, heat the oven to 375F 190C. Mix the avocado pesto and put it inside each cooked pasta shell. Then put them in a baking dish. Add cherry tomatoes cut in half and red pepper flakes on top of the stuffed shells. Put foil over the baking dish and bake in a hot oven for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the shells are hot. Before serving, top the stuffed shells with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
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