Noodles Co Pasta Fresca

Bright, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful, this Noodles Co Pasta Fresca recipe is a perfect harmony of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant baby spinach, and sweet red onions, this dish is elevated by a tangy balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With its fresh basil garnish and versatile vegetarian appeal, Pasta Fresca is a delightful combination of comfort food and gourmet flair. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
• 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0 Water for cooking pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes and red onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the vegetables.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 8

If the pasta seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 9

Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1186.9 grams (1186.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2062

Total Fat 72.70g	93%
Saturated Fat 22.50g	113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 1394mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate 279.50g	102%
Dietary Fiber 18.50g	66%
Total Sugars 17.90g
Protein 80.10g	160%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1022mg	79%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 1753mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.3%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 53.4%