This Pasta Fresca is a light, fresh tomato basil pasta packed with sautéed vegetables and creamy feta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect healthy weeknight dinner or easy summer lunch. If you love simple pasta recipes made with fresh ingredients, this one is going to be on repeat.
As a cookbook author and recipe developer, I'm always looking for pasta dishes that feel bright and balanced - not heavy. This Pasta Fresca delivers big flavor with simple, seasonal ingredients.
Recipe Inspiration
With spring in full swing, I've been loving seasonal veggies at the grocery store. I picked up a ton of vegetables and created this fresh and delicious pasta Fresca recipe. I know you'll love it!
Each bite is packed with assorted vegetables and crumbled feta cheese. I used mini rigatoni for this, but you can use any pasta shape you like. I do recommend using a shorter pasta shape, as the pasta will be the same size as the vegetables and easier to eat.
You can add some protein to this recipe by adding sliced chicken breasts or Italian sausage.
If you're looking for other easy pasta recipes, check out our Pesto Rosso, Easy Tomato Penne, Blackened Cajun Salmon Pasta, Penne al Salmone, Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad or Spaghetti Arrabiata!
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🍅 What Is Pasta Fresca?
Pasta Fresca literally means "fresh pasta" in Italian. While it can refer to freshly made pasta dough, in many modern recipes it describes pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and light sauces. Unlike creamy or heavy pasta dishes, Pasta Fresca focuses on seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and greens.
This version is a fresh tomato and vegetable pasta that's light, flavorful, and perfect for spring and summer cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Here's why you'll love this healthy recipe.
- • The vegetables are sautéed just until tender, keeping them bright and fresh.
• The feta adds creaminess without heavy cream.
• Reserved pasta water creates a light sauce that coats every bite.
• It's customizable - add chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it heartier.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Pasta - You can use fresh pasta, but I used dried rigatoni pasta. You can also use whole wheat pasta if you'd like!
- Olive Oil - regular olive oil
- Shallot - sliced thinly. You can substitute red onions
- Mushrooms - sliced
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic - minced
- Cherry tomatoes - sliced if half. You can also substitute Roma tomatoes
- Fresh Spinach
- Feta Cheese - you can also use parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheeses
- Fresh basil
Step by Step Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Cook Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. When the pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside. You'll use the pasta water later.
Sautee Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, shallot, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the shallots and mushrooms are golden brown.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add the garlic and cherry tomatoes in the pan. Cook for a few more minutes, until the tomatoes start to wilt.
Combine and Serve
Add in pasta and spinach. Mix everything together, then add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you have a 'saucy' consistency. If you want more of a sauce, you can add a bit of extra virgin olive oil when the pasta is removed from the heat. Top with basil and feta.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips and tricks for this easy recipe.
- Double the Recipe - Make double and freeze some or box up in containers for meal prep throughout the week! This recipe is great for meal prepping and leftovers because it reheats really well and pairs with many different protein options.
- Complete the Meal - Serve this with Italian chicken cutlets and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a whole meal inspired by Italian cuisine.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large Skillet - Use a large skillet to make this dish so all of the pasta and vegetables fit in the same pan.
- Pasta Pot - I use my pasta pot multiple times through the week. If you make pasta as much as I do, it's important to have a good quality pot.
- Serving Bowl - I love using a big serving bowl for serving this dish. It's a beautiful centerpiece to any dinner table!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Add protein - Adding protein is a great way to bulk up this recipe. Grilled chicken or Italian chicken cutlets would be delicious with this recipe.
- Substitute Veggies - You can add in any vegetables you have on hand to this recipe. Peppers, asparagus, and arugula are just a few that would be delicious.
- Pasta Shape - You can use any pasta shape in this recipe. I used these mini Rigatoni and they were so good in the recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta Fresca means "fresh pasta" in Italian. While it can refer to freshly made pasta dough, most modern Pasta Fresca recipes describe pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and sometimes cheese. It's typically lighter than creamy pasta dishes and highlights seasonal ingredients like tomatoes and basil.
Yes. Pasta Fresca is considered a lighter pasta dish because it's made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs rather than heavy cream or butter-based sauces. You can also make it even healthier by using whole wheat pasta or adding extra vegetables.
Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work best because they hold the vegetables and light sauce well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Check out some of our other delicious recipes!
Pasta Fresca
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 cup feta crumbled
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. When pasta is done, reserve one cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, shallot, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until shallots and mushrooms are golden brown.
- Add garlic and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to wilt.
- Add in pasta and spinach to the pan. Add in pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until a sauce is created.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Clare says
This was so easy and so good! I'm making it again next week!
Christina Musgrave says
Yay that's so awesome!