Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta

Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta Recipe from China with Zucchini, Leek, and Eggplant

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the rich flavors of roasted vegetables and chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

The combination of roasted garlic, avocado, and pasta is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. This recipe takes a modern twist on the classic flavors, adding in chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables for added nutrition and taste.

Ingredients

3 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
1 leek (white part only), thinly sliced and separated
1 medium red and yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 chinese eggplant, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
5 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp salt and pepper
8 oz (227 g) penne pasta, cooked
0.5 lb (227 g) boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and cut into cubes
0.5 cup salt-reduced, fat-free chicken broth
1 ripe california avocado, seeded, peeled and cut into 16 slices

How to prepare

In a large roasting pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, combine all vegetables.
In a small bowl, blend 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture over the vegetables and toss to coat.
Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 45 minutes, stirring twice.
Remove the vegetables from the oven and pour on the remaining tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, chicken, chicken broth, and fresh basil (optional).
Portion the mixture into 8 pasta bowls.
Place two slices of avocado and a fresh basil leaf on each bowl.

Variations

Add roasted cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added spice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly coat the vegetables with the balsamic vinegar and oil mixture before roasting to ensure they cook evenly and develop a caramelized flavor.

- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.

- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, protein, or pasta shape.

Make Ahead Tips

You can roast the vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time, then simply assemble the dish before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate from the vegetables and avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain allergens from the chicken and chicken broth. Please check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Maria, who had just returned from a trip to Italy. She invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was enveloped in the most delicious aroma.

Maria was busy at the stove, roasting garlic in olive oil, the smell wafting through the air and making my mouth water. She caught sight of me and greeted me with a warm smile, beckoning me to come closer. As she continued to work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and passion for cooking.

I watched as she mashed ripe avocados with a fork, adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt. The creamy mixture looked so enticing, and I couldn't wait to taste it. Maria then tossed the roasted garlic into the avocado mixture, blending it all together until it formed a smooth and velvety sauce.

Next, she cooked up some spaghetti noodles until they were al dente, then drained them and added them to the avocado sauce. She tossed everything together until the pasta was fully coated in the creamy green goodness.

Finally, Maria plated the pasta and sprinkled it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes. The dish looked absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The roasted garlic added a depth of flavor, while the creamy avocado sauce was rich and decadent. The combination of ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria saw the look of delight on my face and smiled knowingly. She handed me a pen and paper and told me to write down the recipe as she dictated it to me. I eagerly scribbled down every detail, making notes of her tips and tricks along the way.

After lunch, Maria and I spent the afternoon in her kitchen, cooking together and perfecting the recipe for Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta. She shared stories of her time in Italy and the inspiration behind the dish, and I soaked up every word like a sponge.

As we worked side by side, chopping, stirring, and tasting, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my friend and her willingness to share her knowledge with me. Cooking with Maria was like taking a master class in Italian cuisine, and I cherished every moment spent in her kitchen.

When the pasta was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our creation together. The dish was even more delicious the second time around, and we both savored every bite.

As I bid Maria farewell that evening, I promised to practice making the Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta on my own and to share it with my family and friends. I left her house feeling inspired and full of excitement, eager to add this new recipe to my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta countless times, each batch slightly different from the last. I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it truly my own.

And every time I make this dish, I think back to that summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of Roasted Garlic Avocado Pasta. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that comes from sharing food with loved ones.

I am forever grateful to Maria for introducing me to this dish and for passing down her knowledge and passion for cooking. It is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my days, and one that I will continue to pass on to future generations. Cooking is more than just following a recipe; it's about creating memories and building connections that last a lifetime. And for that, I will always be thankful.