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Vegan Pasta Fresca
5 from 9 votes

Vegan Pasta Fresca

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.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 295 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American Fussion

Ingredients

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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. When the pasta is al dente, drain in a colander.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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). 
  5. 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. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 295kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 7g (11%) Sodium 320mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 295

% Daily Value*

Calories 295kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 7g 11%
Sodium 320mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.