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Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Fresca - Pasta Fresca: make this vibrant and healthy dish in under 30 minutes. Loaded with fresh tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and balsamic

Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Fresca

Pasta Fresca: make this vibrant and healthy dish in under 30 minutes. Loaded with fresh tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and balsamic vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz gluten free penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small or 1/2 large red onion (thinly sliced)
  • salt and pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
  • 1 lb vine-ripened tomatoes OR Roma tomatoes (seeded then chopped)
  • 5 oz baby spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • shredded parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese (to taste)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then season generously with salt and add penne. Cook until al dente then drain pasta and set aside. Keep the cooking pot out as you
  2. When the pasta is halfway done cooking, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large, 12
  3. Add garlic then saute until very fragrant and light golden brown, 1-2 minutes, being very careful to not let it burn. Add tomatoes then saute until they begin to soften, 1 minute, using the juices to help scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Add baby spinach then saute until it begins to wilt, 1 minute
  5. Place the pasta cooking pot back over low heat then add Balsamic Vinaigrette, drained pasta, and spinach mixture then stir until the dish is heated through and spinach is tender. Scoop into bowls then top with parmesan or feta cheese.

Notes

- Don't overcook your pasta! Al dente is key for this dish to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce. - To ensure your spinach doesn't get soggy, add it last and cook just until it begins to wilt. If your pasta is still cooking, remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking the spinach. - If you’re using feta cheese, ensure it's crumbled fresh for the best texture and tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes and balsamic beautifully.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.