This Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe will make your belly very happy! Made with whole wheat penne, fresh tomatoes, spinach, red onion, garlic, and a flavorful balsamic sauce, this easy pasta dinner is simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

Even better, this recipe makes 8 servings and is just 7 WW Points per serving, making it a great option when you’re looking for a satisfying restaurant-inspired meal that you can make at home.

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Why I Love This Copycat Pasta Fresca Recipe

Noodles & Company has been one of my favorite restaurants since the first time I went there in Madison when I was in high school.

My best friend and I used to drive up there after school just to eat at Noodles!

Looking back, it seems kind of funny that we thought driving to Madison for pasta was such a big adventure, but at the time, it was one of our favorite things to do.

Even though I’m a fan of quite a few things on the Noodles & Company menu, my husband and I usually picked the Pasta Fresca.

And then they removed it from the menu.

Seriously, why?!

Thankfully, there are still ways to order it, but when they first removed it, we didn’t know that. So, naturally, my husband and I started trying to figure out how to make it at home.

I figured it couldn’t be that difficult.

After all, Pasta Fresca is a pretty simple dish. There aren’t a ton of ingredients, and the flavors aren’t complicated.

Well…it actually took us a while to crack the code.

I initially thought there was basil in the dish. I tried adding basil several times, and I just couldn’t figure out why it never tasted quite right.

Eventually, I realized that the basil was actually part of the problem!

There were also a couple of attempts where I added way too much garlic. Other versions had too much oil.

But the great thing about experimenting with pasta recipes is that even the mistakes are usually pretty delicious.

Eventually, we perfected our version of this Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe, and it has become one of our favorite easy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this homemade Pasta Fresca.

It’s only 7 WW Points per serving.

This recipe makes 8 servings, and each serving is 7 WW Points.

That’s one of the reasons this recipe has always been such a favorite of mine. You get a big, satisfying bowl of pasta without using an enormous amount of your daily Points budget.

It’s made with simple ingredients.

There’s nothing complicated or unusual about this recipe. You’ll find ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings.

These are ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

It’s packed with vegetables.

Fresh tomatoes, spinach, onions, and garlic add plenty of flavor and color to this dish.

The vegetables also make the pasta feel fresh instead of heavy.

It’s easy to make.

This is a great weeknight dinner because you can prepare most of the ingredients while the pasta is cooking.

Once everything is chopped and ready to go, the actual cooking comes together quickly.

It’s family-friendly.

My family loves this recipe because it doesn’t have an overpowering flavor.

I would describe it as simply tasty.

The flavors complement each other without one ingredient taking over the entire dish.

The Secret to This Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe

There is one step that I think makes the biggest difference when making this recipe at home.

You need to sauté the cooked pasta.

I know it sounds a little strange.

After all, you’ve already cooked the pasta. Why would you put it back in a pan?

Trust me!

Once your pasta is cooked and drained, you’ll add it to the sauté pan with the garlic and onions.

Let it cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally.

You want the pasta to develop some golden-brown spots and slightly crispy edges.

You don’t want to burn it, but you do want it to get a little bit browned.

This gives the pasta a completely different flavor and texture. It also allows the noodles to pick up some of the delicious flavor from the sautéed garlic and onions.

This is one of the little tricks that helps make this homemade version taste much more like the restaurant version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Pasta Fresca recipe:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• White cooking wine
• Fresh parsley
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh garlic
• Red onion
• Whole wheat penne pasta
• Baby spinach
• Roma tomatoes
• Reduced-fat feta cheese or Parmesan cheese

I use whole wheat penne because that’s what I originally used when developing this recipe, but regular penne can also be used.

Fresh Tomatoes

I like using Roma tomatoes because they’re firm and hold up well when they’re cooked.

You’ll want to cut them into fairly thick slices so they don’t completely fall apart in the pan.

Baby Spinach

The spinach gets added toward the end of cooking.

It only takes a couple of minutes to wilt, so there’s no reason to cook it for a long time.

Feta Cheese

I like topping each serving with a small amount of reduced-fat feta.

The salty flavor of the feta is a great contrast to the fresh vegetables and balsamic sauce.

You could also use Parmesan if you prefer.

How to Make Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package directions until it reaches al dente.

Be careful not to overcook it because the pasta will continue cooking later in the sauté pan.

Once it’s finished, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water.

Set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables.

Mince the garlic, slice the red onion into thin strips, chop the parsley, and slice the Roma tomatoes.

Measure out your spinach so everything is ready to go once you start cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white cooking wine, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk everything together until well combined.

Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion.

Sauté for approximately three minutes, stirring frequently.

You want the onion to begin softening and the garlic to become fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can become bitter and overpower the rest of the dish.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Add the cooked penne to the sauté pan with the garlic and onions.

Toss everything together.

Now comes the important part: let the pasta brown!

Cook the pasta for several minutes, stirring occasionally.

You want some of the noodles to develop golden-brown spots and slightly crispy edges.

Don’t constantly stir the pasta. Giving it some time to sit against the hot pan helps it develop that delicious flavor.

Step 6: Add the Sauce and Vegetables

Once the pasta has browned, pour the sauce over the pasta.

Add the tomatoes and spinach.

Gently toss everything together and continue cooking for a few minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are heated through.

You don’t want to overcook the vegetables. The tomatoes should still have some texture.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Serve the Pasta Fresca immediately.

Top each serving with a little reduced-fat feta or Parmesan cheese.

That’s it!

You have a delicious homemade version of one of my favorite Noodles & Company meals.

Tips for Making the Best Pasta Fresca

Don’t overcook your pasta.
Cook it to al dente because it will continue cooking when you add it to the sauté pan.

Don’t skip browning the pasta.
This is probably the most important tip. Those slightly crispy edges add so much flavor.

Don’t use too much garlic.
I learned this one the hard way! Garlic is delicious, but too much can completely overpower this recipe.

Don’t go overboard with the olive oil.
You need enough to cook the vegetables and coat the pasta, but too much can make the dish unnecessarily heavy.

Add the spinach at the end.
Spinach wilts quickly, so it only needs a couple of minutes in the pan.

Serve it immediately.
This pasta is at its best when it’s hot and fresh, especially while those crispy edges are still there.

Can I Add Chicken?

Absolutely!

If you want to add protein to this dish, grilled or sautéed chicken breast would be delicious.

You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Simply slice or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the pan toward the end of cooking.

Keep in mind that adding chicken will change the nutritional information and WW Points.

Can I Add Mushrooms?

Yes!

In fact, mushrooms are one of my favorite additions to this recipe.

Sometimes I add sliced baby bella mushrooms.

If you’re adding mushrooms, sauté them along with the onions and garlic. Allow them to cook until they’re tender and have developed some golden-brown edges before adding the pasta.

The mushrooms add a delicious savory flavor.

Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Whole Wheat?

Absolutely.

I originally made this recipe with whole wheat penne, but regular penne works just as well.

You can also experiment with other short pasta shapes if that’s what you have available.

Just remember that changing the ingredients can change the nutritional information and WW Points.

Can I Make Pasta Fresca Ahead of Time?

While this recipe is best when it’s served immediately, leftovers are still delicious.

Store leftover Pasta Fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to eat it, you can reheat it in the microwave, but I prefer reheating it in a skillet.

Reheating it in a skillet can help bring back some of those delicious crispy edges.

If you’re using feta or Parmesan, you can add the cheese after reheating.

Ways to Customize This Recipe

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Try adding:

• Baby bella mushrooms
• Cooked chicken breast
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Extra spinach
• Parmesan cheese
• Feta cheese
• Red pepper flakes

You could even add additional vegetables if you have some that need to be used up in your refrigerator.

This is one of those recipes where you can easily make it your own.

WW Points

This recipe makes 8 servings.

Each serving is 7 WW Points.

That makes this Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca a great option when you’re craving restaurant-style pasta but want something you can easily make at home.

It’s filling, flavorful, and loaded with fresh vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pasta Fresca still available at Noodles & Company?

As of the time of writing this post, yes, it’s back on the menu. However, they like to change things up often and it could be gone one day. That’s one of the reasons I love having this copycat version at home!

What makes this taste like Noodles & Company Pasta Fresca?

The combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and feta creates the signature flavor. However, the most important trick is browning the cooked pasta in the pan before adding the sauce and vegetables.

Can I use Parmesan instead of feta?

Yes! Parmesan makes a delicious substitute for feta.

Can I add chicken?

Definitely. Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken makes a great addition if you’d like more protein.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 8 servings, with each serving being 7 WW Points.

More Easy WW-Friendly Recipes

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes that won’t blow your WW Points budget, be sure to check out some of my other recipes here on A Mama Blessed.

I love creating recipes that are family-friendly, flavorful, and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe as much as we do!

It took quite a few attempts to get this recipe right, but I’m glad we didn’t give up.

Sometimes the best recipes come from trying to recreate something you love.

And thankfully, all of our “mistakes” were pretty tasty along the way.

The key is to let the pasta get a little browned in the pan before adding the sauce. That little extra step makes a big difference!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think.

And if you add anything special to yours, let me know! Baby bella mushrooms are one of my favorite additions.

Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
WW Points: 7 per serving

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I love this one)
• 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (My favorite with no sugar added)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red onion, sliced into thin strips
• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 3 Roma tomatoes, halved and thickly sliced
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat feta or Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic, onion, spinach, parsley, and tomatoes.
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and onions and sauté for approximately 3 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white cooking wine, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauté pan with the garlic and onions. Toss well.
7. Cook the pasta for several minutes, allowing it to develop some golden-brown, slightly crispy edges.
8. Add the sauce, tomatoes, and spinach to the pan.
9. Toss everything together and cook for a few minutes, or until the spinach begins to wilt and the tomatoes are heated through.
10. Serve immediately and top each serving with a small amount of reduced-fat feta or Parmesan cheese.

Makes 8 servings. Each serving is 7 WW Points.

Recipe Notes:

For the best restaurant-style flavor, don’t skip browning the pasta in the sauté pan. The slightly crispy edges help give this copycat recipe its distinctive flavor.

Baby bella mushrooms and cooked chicken are two of my favorite additions.

SERVING SIZE = 1 CUP

MAKES 8 SERVINGS

If you’re looking for a delicious dessert after this Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca Recipe, check out the Best Weight Watchers Banana Bread Recipe here!