Avocado Pasta with Tomatoes and Bacon

This tasty dinner brings together the flavors of so many things that I just love so much. If you are looking for a new twist on your pasta, and you love avocados like I do, I recommend that you try out this avocado pasta dish. The avocado sauce is so simple to make, and you can really make it your own based on what flavors you like (and don't like). If you do not like onion, leave out the shallot. Add in more garlic or more basil if you want. You can also make this vegetarian by not adding in the bacon to the pasta or even vegan by also omitting the Parmesan cheese from the sauce. I first tried this recipe from the cookbook "Oh She Glows," which is all vegan recipes. We loved it. When I decided to make it again the other night, I was craving bacon and cheese, so I added those to the dish. We loved the meal even more this time! I made it for the third time for our lunch today, and we finished it off quickly. It is a meal that is done in less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and It tastes like summer with a side of bacon. Enjoy!

Recipe for Avocado Pasta with Tomatoes and Bacon

Makes 3 - 4 servings

INGREDIENTS
6 pieces of bacon
6 ounces angel hair pasta
20 - 25 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small slices - for topping your pasta (optional)
For the avocado sauce
1 medium to large ripe avocado
2 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or two cloves of garlic, chopped)
1 Tablespoon chopped shallot
4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 - 4 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping your pasta, if desired)
3 small spanish olives (optional)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

DIRECTIONS
Cook bacon according to package directions (I prefer baking method). While the bacon cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease after it is finished cooking.  Cook pasta according to directions. Drain well then return to pot. Stir in the reserved bacon grease to the cooked pasta.

In a blender or food processor, add in the ingredients for the avocado sauce and blend until smooth. Scoop out the avocado sauce and add into the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss well. Divide pasta onto plates. Top each with chopped tomatoes, bacon pieces, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Drizzle the top with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Eat immediately. Avocado does not save well, so this is not a meal that you should try for leftovers. You shouldn't have too much trouble eating it all! 

Recipe Adapted from the "Oh She Glows Cookbook," by Angela Liddon