Fregola with Verde Sauce

Fregola with Verde Sauce is a flavorful and unique dish that showcases fregola, a small, round pasta from Sardinia, paired with a vibrant green sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. The fregola, with its slightly nutty, toasted flavor, absorbs the bright, zesty verde sauce, creating a deliciously comforting meal. This dish is often topped with Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to add richness.

I first made this dish when I was craving something fresh yet hearty, and the combination of fregola and the fragrant verde sauce was exactly what I needed. The verde sauce, with its blend of herbs like basil, parsley, and mint, added a burst of freshness that perfectly complemented the pasta. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even seafood to make it a complete meal. Whether served as a main course or as a side, Fregola with Verde Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying dish that feels both light and indulgent!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Mediterranean-themed meals
Light lunches
Family gatherings
Herb lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Fregola with Verde Sauce will become your go-to dish:

Vibrant Herbaceous Flavor: The verde sauce is packed with fresh basil, parsley, and garlic, offering a bright and aromatic flavor.
Toasted Fregola: The fregola pasta is lightly toasted, giving it a nutty and slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Quick and Easy to Make: This dish comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Light Yet Satisfying: The combination of pasta and fresh sauce is light but filling, perfect for any meal.
Customizable Sauce: Feel free to adjust the herbs or add a kick of chili flakes for extra heat.
Fresh and Healthy: With plenty of fresh herbs and olive oil, this dish is a nutritious option for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.
Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes just as delicious the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats or seafood.
Vegetarian Delight: With no meat, this dish is a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans (with adjustments).

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

For the Fregola:

1 ½ cups fregola pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Water, for boiling

For the Verde Sauce:

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
3 cloves garlic, peeled
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for extra heat)

Optional Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese
Toasted pine nuts

Ingredient Highlights

Fregola Pasta: This Sardinian pasta is similar to couscous but larger, offering a unique texture.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley are the stars of the verde sauce, adding freshness and flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for a rich, smooth sauce.
Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fregola:

Boil the Fregola: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fregola and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
Drain and Toss: Drain the fregola, reserving a cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta with olive oil and set aside.

Make the Verde Sauce:

Blend the Herbs and Garlic: In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil and lemon juice until the sauce reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For added heat, stir in chili flakes if desired.

Combine the Fregola and Sauce:

Toss Together: In a large bowl or pan, toss the cooked fregola with the verde sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Plate the fregola and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Fregola with Verde Sauce:

As a Main Dish: Serve it as a standalone meal with a side of crusty bread.
With Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken for a complete Mediterranean meal.
With Seafood: Serve alongside grilled shrimp or fish for a fresh and light dinner.
With Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
For Meal Prep: Pack it for a delicious lunch that tastes great even after a day in the fridge.
With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
As a Side Dish: Serve as a side to grilled meats or a hearty stew.
With Extra Lemon: Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top for a zesty finish.
For a Light Lunch: Serve as a quick and refreshing lunch on a warm day.
As a Party Dish: Make a large batch and serve at your next gathering for a flavorful, vegetarian-friendly option.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce, so use them if possible.
Don’t Overcook the Fregola: Be sure to cook the fregola until al dente for the best texture.
Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone cheese.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint or oregano for a unique twist.
Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
With Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of umami flavor.
Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the sauce for an extra layer of citrusy brightness.
With Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic before blending it into the sauce for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Spicy Verde Sauce: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
With Ricotta: Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese to the verde sauce for a richer, creamier consistency.
Grilled Vegetables: Incorporate grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or tomatoes into the dish.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: For blending the verde sauce ingredients into a smooth consistency.
Large Pot: For boiling the fregola pasta.
Strainer: To drain the fregola while reserving pasta water.
Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
Pan or Bowl: For tossing the fregola with the verde sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular pasta instead of fregola?
Yes, any small pasta like couscous or orzo can work as a substitute for fregola.
Can I make the verde sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the verde sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the fregola dish?
It’s best to eat the dish fresh, but you can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.
What other herbs can I use in the verde sauce?
You can experiment with herbs like mint, oregano, or thyme to change the flavor profile.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas would be great additions.
Is fregola gluten-free?
No, fregola is made from wheat, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the verde sauce for added heat.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of verde sauce?
Yes, store-bought pesto can be a quick alternative if you’re short on time.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, the dish is delicious both warm or at room temperature.
Can I use a different type of cheese for garnish?
Yes, try Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Fregola with Verde Sauce is a delicious and unique dish that combines the nutty, chewy texture of fregola pasta with a vibrant and zesty verde sauce. The fregola, a type of small, toasted pasta, pairs wonderfully with the fresh, herbaceous sauce made from a blend of basil, parsley, garlic, and olive oil. The result is a light yet flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with added ingredients like roasted vegetables, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve it on its own, or as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein for a complete meal. Fregola with Verde Sauce is a delightful, fresh pasta dish that’s sure to impress.

I can’t wait to see how your Fregola with Verde Sauce turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!