• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Quiet Kitchen
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home >> Recipes >> Vegan Pasta Recipes

    30-Minute Pasta Fresca

    Updated Nov 12, 2022 by Lori · This post contains affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Email it
    image to save on Pinterest.
    image to save on Pinterest.

    This pasta fresca recipe is inspired by the popular Noodles & Company menu item of the same name. It features tender pasta, rich and sweet sautéed onion, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, all tossed in a light balsamic sauce. It's a great side dish for parties and potlucks. Or add your favorite plant-based protein for a more satisfying dinner. Vegan and easily made gluten-free.

    large white serving bowl filled with pasta fresca topped with vegan parmesan cheese.

    Have you heard of Noodles & Company? It's a fast-casual restaurant chain here in the U.S. Their pasta fresca is one of the most, if not THE most, popular items on their menu.

    In fact, apparently pasta fresca is so loved by customers, that after a four year hiatus from the menu, Noodles & Co. decided to bring it back due to overwhelming feedback.

    When you see how simple the ingredient list is and imagine the flavors you'll understand why it's so successful.

    I should add that I'm not saying this will taste just like their version. But based on the main ingredients in Noodles & Company's pasta fresca, this is my take!

    Slowly sauteed in olive oil, the red onion becomes sweet and tender. It actually tastes caramelized after the balsamic is added, but in about half the time it normally takes to make caramelized onions.

    And then fresh garlic and tomatoes add even more depth and umami.

    But the kicker is the balsamic vinegar. It's added directly to the pan with the onion, garlic, and tomatoes and cooked down for a few minutes.

    Finally, it's all tossed together with cooked pasta and fresh spinach. It's so simple and yet irresistible.

    And when something is that simple and good, why not make it at home, where you can not only save money but customize it any way you want!

    I think you'll LOVE this pasta fresca recipe because it's:

    • comforting and nutritious
    • ready in under 30 minutes
    • easily customized with different types of pasta, proteins, and veggies
    • and just so darn tasty!
    Jump to:
    • What does pasta fresca mean?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • What to Serve With Pasta Fresca
    • Substitutes
    • Variations
    • Top Tip
    • You Might Like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What does pasta fresca mean?

    Pasta fresca may refer to fresh pasta (as in not dried). When "fresca" is used in cooking, it implies there are fresh ingredients added to the dish.

    labeled photo of the nine ingredients needed to make pasta fresca at home.

    Ingredients

    • pasta - regular, whole-grain, or gluten-free. I used penne but other shapes are also perfect.
    • olive oil - this is the only fat added to the dish and is important for the overall flavor.
    • red onion - you'll need one medium/large onion.
    • tomatoes - I like to use cherry or grape tomatoes. Feel free to use what you have.
    • garlic - infuses so much flavor into the oil. I used 5 small/medium cloves. Adjust the amount as you see fit. 🙂
    • balsamic vinegar - I used an organic wine barrel aged balsamic from Whole Foods. Choose a thick, sweet, good quality balsamic for the recipe as it is one of the main flavors in the dish. This isn't the place to go cheap!
    • spinach - fresh baby spinach is part of the original dish, but other leafy greens could work well, too. For sturdier greens like kale, add them to the pan earlier, during the saute, so they have time to soften.
    • parsley - I added chopped fresh parsley at the end for a touch of freshness. I'm not sure if Noodles and Company includes any herbs, but I thought it would be nice.
    • lemon - optional but it does add another layer of fresh flavor and zing.

    See recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    two photos showing pasta draining in a colander and onion and tomatoes simmering in a pot.
    1. Generously salt the water and boil pasta according to package directions. While it's cooking start on the saute. When the pasta is done drain in a colander and set aside.
    2. Heat oil over medium heat. Cook the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the tomatoes are juicy and softened. Season with salt and pepper.
    two photos showing the stages of simmering tomatoes, onion, balsamic then combining with pasta.
    1. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until slightly reduced.
    2. Add the pasta and spinach, and any cooked proteins you'd like. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Remove from heat once the spinach is wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

    What to Serve With Pasta Fresca

    • side salad - try my oil-free Italian dressing for a light option. Or use your favorite bottled Italian dressing.
    • bread - you can't go wrong with perfectly toasted and buttery vegan garlic bread.

    Substitutes

    • pasta - pretty mush any pasta shape you have on hand works here. Try farfalle (also known as bow tie), rigatoni, ziti, or mostaccioli.
    • cheese - I used Violife Just Like Parmesan since Noodles & Company includes Parmesan cheese in pasta fresca. But other types of cheese are delicious with pasta fresca, too, like vegan feta, fresh mozz (try Miyoko's), or a homemade nut-based parm.
    • gluten-free - use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I really love the brown rice penne from Trader Joe's.

    Variations

    • vegetables - try pasta fresca with small broccoli florets, asparagus, peas, zucchini, or yellow squash.
    • proteins - to make this dish more filling while still keeping it vegan and vegetarian, add cooked white beans, chickpeas, or your favorite vegan meat substitute. Here are a few ideas:
      • plant-based Italian sausage
      • "chicken" cutlets or strips
      • baked tofu or tempeh
      • seasoned and cooked soy curls
      • or these tasty breaded seitan nuggets!

    Top Tip

    Always add a generous amount of salt to the pasta water. This makes all the difference in the finished dish!

    You Might Like

    • close up overhead view of assembled pasta salad topped with chopped fresh parsley.
      Vegan Pasta Salad
    • a large saute pan filled with white wine pasta sauce, freshly cooked pasta, and peas.
      White Wine Pasta Sauce
    • vegan garlic butter casarecce pasta with kale and lemon zest in a black bowl.
      Casarecce Pasta With Butter
    • bright photo of creamy pasta in a white bowl with lemon.
      Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta

    I hope you enjoy this vegan take on Noodles & Company Pasta Fresca. If you try the recipe comment below to let us know!

    📖 Recipe

    large bowl full of vegan pasta with onion, spinach, vegan cheese, and fresh parsley.

    Vegan Pasta Fresca

    Author: Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen
    Inspired by Noodles and Company's pasta fresca, this vegan pasta recipe features tender penne, rich and sweet sauteed onion, garlic, spinach, and reduced balsamic vinegar. The result is a flavorful vegan pasta to serve as a side or entree. Add beans, vegan chicken cutlets, seitan, or tofu for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
    Servings: 8 servings
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins

    Equipment

    • pasta/soup pot
    • large saute pan

    Ingredients 

    • 16 ounces dry penne or other pasta
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
    • 5 medium cloves garlic, minced
    • 10 to 12 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved - about 2 ½ cups
    • ½ to ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • freshly cracked black pepper
    • ½ cup good quality balsamic vinegar
    • 3 ounces fresh baby spinach - about 3 cups
    • optional proteins: canned chickpeas or white beans, baked tofu, seitan, sausage, etc.
    • 1 small lemon, optional but recommended
    • vegan Parmesan cheese - I used Violife, shaved with a peeler
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. When the pasta is al dente, drain in a colander.
    • Preheat a large saute pan or pot over medium to medium-low heat and add the oil. When hot, add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Reduce the heat if needed so the onion doesn't brown.
    • Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the tomatoes are juicy and softened. Add black pepper and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt.
    • Add the balsamic vinegar and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until slightly reduced. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the pan (plus any cooked protein, if using). 
    • Add juice from half of the lemon, if desired. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Remove from heat once the spinach is wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Top with vegan parmesan or other cheese. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

    Notes

    Store leftover pasta fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

    Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSodium: 320mg

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.

    Tried the recipe?I love hearing from you! Share your feedback below.

    More Vegan Pasta Recipes

    • looking into large pot full of cheesy pasta.
      27 Must-Try Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipes
    • Creamy vegan macaroni and cheese inside a large black Crockpot.
      Crockpot Mac and Cheese
    • Overhead view of a dark red bowl filled with creamy tahini noodles and broccoli.
      20-Minute Tahini Noodles
    • white baking dish filled with baked ziti and sprinkled with vegan parmesan.
      Vegan Baked Ziti With Vegetables
    • Share
    • Email it

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Share Feedback Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Julia Kosidowski

      December 09, 2022 at 6:59 am

      Absolutely loved it!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    author Lori Rasmussen in her kitchen

    Hi, I'm Lori. Welcome to My Quiet Kitchen where I share easy vegan recipes with a healthier twist. Many are special diet-friendly or easily adapted. I also have a passion for veganizing classic desserts, and sometimes even those get a healthy-ish makeover.

    Learn more about me →

    Fall Favorites

    • close up of chili in a pot showing thick meaty texture.
      Best Lentil Chili
    • two bowls filled with creamy mushroom stew garnished with parsley.
      Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stew
    • A slice of vegan gluten-free pot pie on a plate.
      Healthy Vegan Pot Pie
    • baked stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
      Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
    • healthy and creamy vegetable noodle soup in a white bowl with herbs nearby.
      Creamy Vegetable Noodle Soup
    • close up of mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes
      Vegan Mushroom Gravy
    • a slice of healthy vegan pumpkin pie dusted with cinnamon.
      Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie (oil-free, too!)
    • overhead view of crimped unbaked crust in a pie plate
      Vegan Gluten-Free Pie Crust (Easy & Oil Free)

    Popular Recipes

    • close up of oat flour vegan mug cake in a cute smily face mug.
      Healthy Oatmeal Mug Cake
    • close up of vegan tuna sandwich to show texture.
      The BEST Vegan Tuna Salad
    • close up of herb salad dressing in a small glass jar on a gray stipe napkin.
      Oil-Free Italian Salad Dressing
    • Homemade Korean barbecue sauce in a small glass jar.
      Korean BBQ Sauce
    • sliced seitan steaks on a white platter.
      Easy Seitan Recipe (Seasoned, Versatile)
    • different tahini dressing variations with ingredients on marble background.
      Tahini Dressing 5 Ways
    • hand holding a waffle cone filled with 3 scoops of vegan ice cream.
      Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream (No Coconut)
    • a stack of 4 vegan oil-free banana brownies
      Healthy Vegan Banana Brownies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Lori
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to receive free recipes by email.

    Contact/Follow

    Facebook
    Pinterest
    YouTube
    Instagram
    Contact Us

    Copyright © 2023 My Quiet Kitchen