Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
  • Overhead view of pickles in a white bowl
    Sweet Heat Refrigerator Pickles
  • A basket full of garlic breadsticks.
    How to Make Soft Garlic Breadsticks`
  • A peaches and cream icebox pie with a serving removed to show the layers.
    Peach Icebox Pie
  • A square of strawberry shortcut cake being served from a spatula.
    Strawberry Shortcut Cake
  • A cropped view of this recipe in a glass bowl for the feature image.
    Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
  • Closeup of fried chicken on a plate.
    Why Do Southerners Put Buttermilk in Everything?
  • Overhead view of finished crockpot chicken bog in the crockpot.
    Crockpot Chicken Bog
  • Overhead view of the finished grapefruit cake on a white cake plate.
    Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit Bundt Cake
  • Overhead view of skillet with finished cabbage in it. Feature image.
    Creamed Cabbage
  • Bright green cocktail in a clear glass.
    Hammered Hulk Cocktail – A Bold, Green Drink for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Closeup of pimento cheese balls for feature image.
    Crispy Fried Pimento Cheese Balls
  • A crunchy topped casserole with a serving spoon in it.
    Pineapple Casserole
Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

Pasta Fresca

Published: Jun 29, 2022 · Updated: May 23, 2023 by Marye

Easy 15 minute pasta fresca recipe with penne pasta, fresh tomatoes, onions, spinach, basil, and shaved parmesan. Perfect for summer!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe
Overhead view of pasta in a pan for feature image.
Overhead view of pasta on a plate with text overlay for Pinterest.

This delicious recipe is full of summer flavor from fresh vegetables and other simple ingredients.

Overhead view of pasta in an iron skillet.
Table of Contents
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • A simple dish that cooks in just 15 minutes—SO quick!
  • Fresh ingredients make a super craveable, pasta night crowd-pleaser.
  • Delicious fresca sauce is made of easy Italian dressing mix, aromatic basil, a bit of wine... picture a balsamic vinaigrette, but SO much better!

Pasta fresca literally translates to "fresh pasta" and that's the perfect way to describe this summery recipe. Splurge on the good parmesan cheese from your local Italian market and pour yourself a big glass of wine. You deserve it!

This cream cheese pasta is another easy, 15 minute recipe.

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients for this recipe.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Step by step images for pasta fresca.
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients until combined.
  2. Gently soften the garlic in a hot saute pan or large skillet.
  3. Add in the cooked pasta, red onion, and tomatoes.
  4. Stir in the sauce and spinach until wilted.

🥫 Storage

After letting the pasta cool to room temperature, feel free to refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container. They'll last for three to five days.

To re-enjoy the leftover pasta fresca, heat for 30-second intervals in the microwave until warmed through. If the pasta is a bit dry after microwaving, you can moisten it up by stirring in about a tablespoon of olive oil.

You can get away with freezing pasta fresca if you really want to, but I don't recommend it. The sauce is best fresh. Besides, that's what "fresca" is all about!

A plate of penne pasta with fresh vegetables.

📖 Variations

  • Add protein! A great way to make this meal stretch is to serve it with grilled chicken breasts or shrimp! (Use precooked, tail-off for a super quick addition.)
  • Swap your pasta. Instead of farfalle pasta, you can use penne pasta, bow-tie pasta, or just about any other shape—even regular spaghetti! (Whole wheat noodles are great, too.) Or, try making your own with a pasta machine.
  • More cheese, please! Some people LOVE to swap the parmesan for feta or mozzarella cheese. Try it each way and see what you prefer!
  • Fresh tomatoes are ideal—but if you cannot find cherry tomatoes, swap in chopped fresh grape or Roma tomatoes, instead.
  • Add other veggies, too! I'm a big fan of sneaking in more vegetables whenever I can. Get creative, and consider throwing in some peas, sliced squash, chopped asparagus, sweet red bell pepper, white mushrooms, or your other favorite fresh vegetables. Try to find some baby fresh spinach for a sweeter flavor, or add fresh parsley for an additional herbal garnish!

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: You want to aim for al dente pasta in order to avoid soggy, mushy noodles since the pasta will continue to soften in the hot sauce and steam. Start testing your pasta two minutes before the cooking time on the package has elapsed. It should taste a little firm, but still tender enough to be chewable.

  • As with most pasta dishes, never rinse your noodles after straining them (this rule doesn't apply for chilled pasta recipes, FYI.) The starchy residue left in the water on the pasta helps warm sauce stick to the noodles better.
  • Make sure your water is salted well and has come to a rolling boil before adding your pasta—it really makes a difference in the end result!
  • Using fresh basil is key for optimal flavor! The leaves should be bright green and not show any signs of discoloration or wilting.
  • To easily peel fresh garlic cloves, smash them under the thick end of your knife using the base of your palm. The peel will split and you should be able to squeeze the garlic right out with minimal effort.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! You can cater to your own personal preferences when adding pasta, including gluten-free swaps.

Do I have to use wine in the sauce?

Though pasta fresca tastes best with a splash of rosé or white wine, you can omit it. Try swapping it with white wine vinegar to maintain some of the flavor!

What wine is best for cooking?

You can use either cooking wine or your favorite normal drinking wine—not too dry, but not too sweet. I love to buy a bottle of mid-range wine when I plan to cook with it. That way, you can still enjoy drinking the leftover wine after using it in the recipe. (Leftover wine... those two words don't sound like they belong together!)

Can I swap white vinegar in place of balsamic vinegar?

No, the sauce would be much too acidic and tart. Regular, white vinegar is made by fermenting alcohol or diluting a lab-produced acid. Balsamic vinegar comes from the fermentation process of grape must. If you can't find balsamic vinegar in stores, use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar and add a tablespoon or so of sugar.

Overhead view of pasta on a white plate.

📚 Related recipes

  • Southwest Chicken Pasta is super creamy and has that comforting made-in-a-skillet-with-lots-of-love feel.
  • For a quick, yet filling pasta dish that contains protein AND veggies, try this One Pan Tortellini Alfredo—YUM!
  • Summer just isn't summer without an Italian Pasta Salad—and this recipe comes with over 20(!!) variations to make it *chef's kiss* perfect.
  • You'll love this hearty philly cheesesteak pasta recipe - it's made in just one pot!

More easy pasta recipes:

  • An iron skillet filled with the finished Alfredo Chicken Ravioli.
    Chicken Alfredo Ravioli
  • Bacon Pimento Mac and Cheese on a plate.
    Bacon Pimento Mac & Cheese
  • Homemade pasta being rolled by machine.
    Best Homemade Pasta Dough Recipe...Ever
  • Overhead view of sausage Alfredo skillet dinner in a cast iron skillet.
    Creamy Sausage Alfredo Skillet

🍽️ Serve with...

  • Green Bean Salad
  • Homemade Potato Rolls
  • No-Fail New York Cheesecake

📞 The last word

I always feel like summer should be easy and a little lazy rather than just one more season where I work, sleep, and work some more.

Quick and easy meals like this pasta fresca give me more time to sip tea on the porch or relax with my favorite book - and when it tastes this good no one cares that I didn't slave in the kitchen for two hours.

Y'all this is quicker and easier than getting in that hot car to go get Whataburger. You know I'm right.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of pasta in a pan for feature image.

Pasta Fresca

5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Easy 15 minute pasta fresca recipe with penne pasta, fresh tomatoes, onions, spinach, basil, and shaved parmesan. Perfect for summer!
Course Main Dish (Quick and Easy)
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings:6
Calories:379
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
  • 2 ounces fresh shaved parmesan

Sauce

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons rose wine, or white
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 0.6 ounces zesty Italian dressing mix, dry

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients until blended.
  • Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta, stir, and cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet.
  • Add the diced garlic and saute about 1 minute. Don't let it scorch.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, onion, and pasta.
  • Continue to cook over medium heat, scraping the bottom of the pan often, for about 3 - 5 minutes, or until the penne pasta starts to caramelize and get a golden crust.
  • Stir in the balsamic mixture and the spinach.
  • Saute just until the spinach wilts.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve.

Notes

Storage:
Cool to room temperature and cover leftovers with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Tips:
  • Pasta should be cooked al dente - it should taste a little firm, but still tender enough to be chewable.
  • As with most pasta dishes, never rinse your noodles after straining them (this rule doesn't apply for chilled pasta recipes, FYI.) The starchy residue left in the water on the pasta helps warm sauce stick to the noodles better.
  • Make sure your water is salted well and has come to a rolling boil before adding your pasta—it really makes a difference in the end result!
  • Using fresh basil is key for optimal flavor! The leaves should be bright green and not show any signs of discoloration or wilting.
  • To easily peel fresh garlic cloves, smash them under the thick end of your knife using the base of your palm. The peel will split and you should be able to squeeze the garlic right out with minimal effort.
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

More Perfect Pasta

  • Overhead view of a bowl of pasta salad.
    Texas Pasta Salad
  • Square image of the finished lasagna for the feature image.
    Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
  • Closeup of pasta salad.
    Italian Pasta Salad
  • Closeup overhead view of the macaroni salad in a bowl with a spoon in it for serving.
    BBQ Macaroni Salad Texas Style

Love it? Share it!

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

No Comments

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Love it? Give it 5 stars!




Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🍉 Memorial Day

  • Overhead view of potato salad in a glass bowl
    Mom's Homemade Potato Salad

  • Overhead view of the finished watermelon basket filled with an assortment of fruit.
    How to Make a Watermelon Basket

  • Closeup of a finished hamburger in a bun.
    Retro Lipton Onion Soup Burger (Vintage Recipe)

  • Closeup of a star shaped cake covered in white chocolate with red and blue sprinkles.
    Zebra Cake Recipe: Little Debbie Copycat

🧢 Father's Day

  • Close up of chicken breast that's been grilled.
    Awesome Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon

  • Closeup image of sausage cheese dip.
    Rotel Sausage Dip

  • Closeup overhead view of the macaroni salad in a bowl with a spoon in it for serving.
    BBQ Macaroni Salad Texas Style

  • Close up of a piece of cake.
    Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe

  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Pan Fried Potatoes

  • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
    Sex in the Driveway Cocktail

  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread Recipe – Perfect for Toasting (No Kneading!)

  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.