Authentic Pasta Fresca Recipe Inspired by Noodles and Company

Introduction

Pasta Fresca is a delightful and flavorful dish that has gained immense popularity, especially at Noodles and Company. This recipe offers a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting Italian meal. By using fresh ingredients and a simple cooking technique, you can recreate the magic of Noodles and Company’s Pasta Fresca in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To recreate the classic Pasta Fresca dish inspired by Noodles and Company, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Noodles and Company-inspired Pasta Fresca:

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. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato and spinach mixture.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently until the cheese is melted and well-distributed.
7. Serve the Pasta Fresca immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making Noodles and Company-inspired Pasta Fresca:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   While the recipe traditionally calls for penne pasta, you can certainly experiment with other shapes such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.
2. Can I add protein to the dish?
   Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would make delicious additions to the Pasta Fresca, providing extra protein and flavor.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
   If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. For a vegan option, choose a pasta without eggs and substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
4. How can I make the dish spicier?
   If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dish while cooking.
5. Can I prepare the Pasta Fresca ahead of time?
   While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft or dry.

You can now easily recreate the delightful Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca at home, impressing your family and friends with this classic Italian-inspired dish.