Noodles&Co. imitation!

My favorite thing to get at Noodles&Co. is Pasta Fresca.  It’s SO good and I finally found a recipe that imitates it really well.  It’s great, but don’t forget the parmesan on top – it makes a  huge difference and really made it taste just like the real thing. 

Pasta Fresca

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 1/2 c. pre-cooked penne

1/4 c. cubed roma tomato

1 TB diced red onion

Salt and pepper to taste

1 ounce fresh spinach

1/4 c. fresh garlic

2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

1/4 c. sweet white wine

1 c. extra virgin olive oil

For the sauce, combine the last five ingredients.

In a very hot sauté pan, heat extra virgin olive oil, then add pre-cooked penne, roma tomatoes, diced red onions, kosher salt & cracked pepper.

Sear noodles, stirring occasionally until steaming hot

Add fresh spinach and 1/2 c. fresca sauce

Toss to combine, serve with freshly shaved parmesan cheese.



Oh, and you probably haven’t noticed, but right now, I am OBSESSED with how food looks on these little blue plates we have!  I love their shape – we only have two of them, but that’s fine.  They’re so cute, I love the color and together, they were only $3 at Home Goods.  I’m hoping that they will come in handy with portion control when I start working on this baby weight.  :)