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Pasta Fresca Recipe

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3.8 from 59 reviews

A quick and flavorful Pasta Fresca recipe featuring fusilli pasta tossed with sautéed onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh spinach, and finished with butter and parmesan cheese. This vibrant dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal packed with fresh vegetables and savory notes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound fusilli pasta (substitute any other dry or fresh pasta, adjust cooking time appropriately)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 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)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water if you prefer not to use butter in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until fragrant and translucent. Then add sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking on low heat until the mushrooms are slightly golden.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and soften the tomatoes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Butter: Add the cooked pasta and butter to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss well and cook together for about 3 minutes to let the butter melt and coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just for 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat, then garnish with parmesan cheese, optional red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs of choice. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can substitute fusilli with any other pasta such as penne or farfalle, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, omit butter and parmesan and use a plant-based alternative.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if skipping butter.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, just ensure to drain excess water before adding.
  • For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley complement the dish beautifully.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/pasta-fresca-recipe/