Recipe for Avocado Alfredo Pasta

This avocado "alfredo" is high in protein and calories, making it a great choice for patients experiencing weight loss while undergoing cancer treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz chickpea or lentil pasta (or about 1 cup)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2-3 basil leaves
• 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp. parmesan cheese
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook pasta per instructions on package. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water.
2. Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil and saute broccoli florets for 4-6 minutes until crispy.
3. In a blender, add avocado, pasta water, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, basil leaves, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add avocado sauce and sautéed broccoli to pasta and mix together.
5. Add chopped walnuts and parmesan and enjoy!

Serves 1. Provides 768 calories and 22g protein per serving.

Nutrition Tips:

• This avocado "alfredo" is high in calories making it a great choice for patients undergoing treatment.
• Pasta made from legumes like lentils and chickpeas contain higher amounts of protein than standard pasta. You can also add grilled chicken for extra protein!
• For patients with mucositis and mouth sores, eliminate or decrease the lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Recipe provided by Mass General Cancer Center Dietitians