Name: Pasta Fresca Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fusilli pasta (substitute any other dry or fresh pasta, adjust cooking time appropriately); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 white onions, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach (substitute frozen if desired); 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Pasta Fresca Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, comforting pasta dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the bright pop of cherry tomatoes, all tossed with fresh spinach and topped with savory parmesan. Perfectly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, this Pasta Fresca Recipe strikes that magic balance between fresh homemade flavor and weeknight simplicity. Every bite bursts with layers of texture and flavor that make it impossible not to smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black frying pan, thinly sliced light brown mushrooms with darker brown centers and small, chopped white onion pieces are cooking evenly spread across the pan’s base. The pan sits on a black induction cooktop, all placed on a white marbled surface. The mushrooms and onions show a mix of soft and fresh textures, with some slight glossiness from cooking oil. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pasta Fresca Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing color, texture, and depth to the plate. From the tender fusilli pasta to the fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both wholesome and deeply satisfying.

1 pound fusilli: Spiraled pasta that holds the sauce beautifully and adds fun texture to every bite. You can also use other dry or fresh pasta—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: The base for sautéing your onions and mushrooms; neutral in flavor so the other ingredients shine.
2 white onions (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and delightful aroma when cooked down slowly.
1 cup mushrooms (sliced): Brings earthiness and a satisfying chew to contrast with the soft pasta.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat and depth.
½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved): These juicy bursts balance the richness with fresh acidity and brightness.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious creaminess and helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
2 cups fresh spinach: A fresh, slightly leafy note that also brings delightful color. Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch.
½ cup parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that provides umami richness and a bit of savory saltiness.

How to Make Pasta Fresca Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking the fusilli according to the package directions until it’s al dente—firm but tender. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help bring all the flavors of the sauce together if you opt not to use butter.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the sliced onions. Cook until the onions become fragrant and begin turning golden, which should take a few minutes. Then add your mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the mushrooms cook slowly until they take on a slightly golden hue. This step is key to developing deep, savory flavors that form the backbone of your Pasta Fresca Recipe.

Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic

Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together on medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a fresh, light sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Let Pasta and Butter Come Together

Now it’s time to bring back your cooked pasta. Add it to the skillet along with the butter and toss everything gently. Allow the pasta to cook with the sauce for about 3 minutes so it soaks up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. If you prefer, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water here to loosen the sauce and help everything coat the noodles beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt softly in the skillet for just 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of vibrant green and a slight crunch that complements the tender pasta perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and, if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to elevate your Pasta Fresca Recipe even more.

How to Serve Pasta Fresca Recipe

Garnishes

Freshness is the key to finishing your Pasta Fresca Recipe beautifully. A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese melts slightly on top, lending creamy, salty notes. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat for those who love a little spice. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives create a fragrant burst of herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complement this meal wonderfully, giving you something to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve Pasta Fresca Recipe in large, warm bowls for a comforting vibe. Or for a dinner party, twirl individual servings on plates into neat nests and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh, elegant touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pasta Fresca Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, cool the pasta completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that fresh spinach and delicate textures may soften after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy frozen portions within 1-2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revitalize the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Pasta Fresca Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap fusilli with penne, farfalle, or even fresh pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to match the pasta you choose.

Is it okay to substitute frozen spinach in this recipe?

Yes, frozen spinach works just fine. Thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water to avoid watering down the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Sure thing! Replace the butter with olive oil and swap parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?

If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes add delicious flavor too. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as fresh tomatoes require less time to soften.

How spicy is this Pasta Fresca Recipe?

The base recipe is mild, but adding red pepper flakes as a garnish allows you to customize the heat level to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Fresca Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and effortless. The fresh ingredients, simple steps, and beautiful final result come together in a way that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar every time you serve it. I truly hope you give it a try and fall in love with this comforting and vibrant feast as much as I have.