Last week, I got an email in my inbox offering me to try one of Noodles and Company‘s Limited Time Spring {read: asparagus} Dishes for free. I absolutely love Noodles and company. I adore asparagus. And I just couldn’t pass up FREE, so I went for lunch. My choices from the Limited Time Spring Menu included:
- Springtime Flatbread – “Crispy flatbread appetizer topped with fresh asparagus, mushrooms, melted parmesan cheese and bacon.”
- Garden Pesto Sauté – “Fresh spring asparagus in a light lemon Genovese pesto tossed with our delicious gluten-free fusilli noodles, red bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, pecans, feta and spinach.”
- Asparagus Stack – “Side of fresh asparagus spears, feta cheese, bacon crumbles and a wedge of fresh lemon.”
I chose the Garden Pesto Sauté. The Noodles employee asked if I wanted the small or regular-sized bowl. I think either would have been free; there wasn’t a size restriction on the voucher. However, I thought better and chose the small. I knew if I chose the large, I’d probably eat the entire large serving, walking away stuffed. I also added some Parmesan-Crusted Chicken and a small drink. With those additions, my meal came just over $2.
Noodles & Company – Garden Pesto Sauté with Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Small)
I was also asked if I wanted the fusilli noodles or the penne. I chose penne, not knowing that the reason why she asked was that the fusilli noodles are gluten-free. I don’t follow a gluten-free diet, but it’s good to know that options exist for my friends that do!
I find that most Noodles dishes are skimpy on the veg. I totally get it. The pasta is where they make their money. But this dish was actually heavy on the veggies! You can’t tell by my photo above, with the parmesan-crusted chicken plopped on top and sprinkled with feta. So I cut up the chicken and mixed up my bowl for you:
Veggies in this dish included asparagus as well as red bell peppers, mushrooms, onions and spinach.
It was a great combo of veggies. And while the pecans and feta were a nice touch, the pesto was pretty light in flavor. I am glad I added the chicken.
The Verdict? It was good, but not great. I have other dishes I love at Noodles and company, that I’d rather order. But here are a few pluses to this dish’s appearance:
- Awareness of gluten-free pasta at Noodles & Company. (You can sub any dish with this pasta.)
- Asparagus served at Noodles & Company while in season. (You can add or sub asparagus in any dish!)
What is your favorite pasta dish and why?
Recipe-sharing encouraged!
Cheers~
Carrie
Season It Already! 