I must confess, I LOVE Noodles & Company. But, it is healthier (and surprisingly easy) to make their dishes at home. I have made their Pesto pasta before, and I decided to give another favorite of mine a try: Pasta Fresca! Pasta Fresca is super light because the sauce is a balsamic vinaigrette. The onion also adds a nice punchy flavor to the pasta.
INGREDIENTS
-1 serving whole grain penne
-1/4 large red onion
-1-2 handfuls cherry tomatoes
-1-2 handfuls spinach
-1/4 cup balsamic
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon oregano
-Parmesan
Optional: add shrimp, chicken, salmon or protein of your choice!
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the balsamic, olive oil, salt, and oregano. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions in the boiling water. While pasta cooks, slice the red onion and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
3. When pasta is close to finished, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and spinach and saute.
4. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and add it to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of the vinaigrette (enough to coat everything; you will have vinaigrette left over). Saute for a minute or two.
5. Plate pasta and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan.