# 15-Minute Easy Pasta Fresca
This vibrant pasta dish is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch solutions. Simply boil your preferred pasta while you prepare a savory balsamic reduction with mushrooms and onion – then toss everything together along with fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese.
## Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons why our family has enjoyed this dish consistently:
1. **Speed:** It’s genuinely ready in only 15 minutes, from start to finish
2. **Nutrition:** Packed with mushrooms, tomatoes and baby spinach for balanced flavor and nutrition
3. **Lightness:** Refreshing note using balsamic vinegar alongside red wine vinegar creates a bright, tangy sauce rather than relying on heavy cream or cheese.
This delicious meatless dish makes an excellent light dinner option that delivers big on taste despite its quick preparation time. It’s our adaptation of Noodles & Company’s popular pasta dish, featuring the fresh combination of vegetables and creamy feta flavor profile. While we’ve perfected this version independently, feel free to add protein if desired.
## Ingredient Notes
* **Penne Pasta:** Standard box variety works perfectly when cooked al dente
* **Cooking Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is traditional, but light vegetable or avocado oil also work well for sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavors.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the most authentic flavor. However, jarred minced garlic can be used as a convenient alternative if fresh isn’t readily available.
## Vegetable Swaps
This recipe offers flexibility in your vegetable choices:
* Red Onion: Can be substituted with white or yellow onions
* Mushrooms: Works well with either white button or cremini mushrooms
* Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work beautifully, offering a slightly sweet burst. Yellow and red cherry tomatoes can also create an interesting color mix.
## Storage Solutions
Leftover pasta Fresca stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days when kept properly sealed. When reheating portions, use your microwave but heat them carefully – start with 30-second intervals until heated through.
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This recipe offers versatility beyond just vegetables and feta:
### Adding Protein
We think this dish is delicious on its own, but adding protein creates a satisfying meal:
* **Chicken:** Quickly cook chicken tenders or breast pieces alongside the vegetables for added substance.
Season lightly with salt and pepper before searing in olive oil over medium-high heat.
* **Salmon:** Add flaky salmon portions by seasoning them simply with salt and pepper, then cooking them quickly until done.
### Pasta Options
The recipe calls specifically for penne pasta, but feel free to experiment:
This dish works especially well with:
* Angel Hair
* Linguine
* Farfalle (bow tie)
* Shells
Each offers slightly different textural qualities while maintaining excellent pairing potential.
