Avocado, cheesy goodness and Banza pasta...these are a few of my favorite things! [try saying that without singing it!] During the week, I love a quick yet flavorful and healthy meal that will refuel me after a long day. I decided to combine three of my favorite things which has made this super simple yet delicious recipe one of my top saved on Instagram!

I started using only Banza pasta well over a year ago and haven't looked back, it is THAT good! I've even got my parents hooked on it which is a plus. Made from chickpeas, Banza is packed with 20g of protein per saving and tastes just like "regular" pasta...but so much better for you! They launched six new shapes over the summer including some of my go-to favorites: cavatappi, angel hair and ziti.

The cheesy avocado sauce is one of the easiest things to make. Just a few simple ingredients blended together until smooth...that's it! It's also simple to double, triple, etc. the recipe if you're making it for a family or a dinner party.

I'd love to know if you try this recipe! Be sure to tag @thelifeshewanders and use #thelifeshewanders / #TLSWrecipe so I can see your creations.

CHEESY AVOCADO BANZA BOWL
Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1-1.5 servings of your favorite Banza pasta (I like to use cavatappi for this dish)

• 1 tiny avocado [these little baby avos are SO cute and the perfect portion size]

• 3 tbsp Chosen Foods avocado oil

• 2-4 tbsp Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast [depends how "cheesy" you want the sauce...I suggest starting with 2 and increasing from there if needed]

• handful of fresh cilantro

• black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Cook Banza pasta according to instructions on the box

• In a blender [I use an Oster Immersion Hand Blender] combine: avocado, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, cilantro and black pepper

• Blend ingredients together until smooth

• Toss drained pasta with sauce, top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and black pepper

• Enjoy! :)