If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, comforting, and downright tasty pasta dish, look no further than this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe. Imagine a medley of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach mingling with creamy parmesan and a touch of red chili flakes, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to tender paneer pasta. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes with its rich colors but also a symphony of flavors and textures that promises to satisfy any craving. Preparing this recipe will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it clear why it’s a beloved favorite to share around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a vital role. From the creamy texture contributed by heavy cream to the fresh brightness of basil and spinach, every component elevates the dish to its full flavorful potential.
- 17 ounces paneer pasta: A creamy, tender pasta that soaks up sauce beautifully without falling apart.
- 4 cups chicken stock: Adds depth and richness, creating a comforting base for the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a slightly sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For that luscious, creamy mouthfeel.
- 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle earthiness that balances the acidity.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated, savory punch.
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: Infuses the dish with extra tomato flavor and richness when sautéing.
- 1/3 cup tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and boosts tomato intensity.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: A gentle heat that adds sparkle without overwhelming other flavors.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic sharpness that enhances every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil: Herbal brightness that elevates the dish’s freshness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: To balance and bring out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients
Before you turn on the heat, gather all your ingredients—paneer pasta, chicken stock, chopped onion, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan, tomato oil, chili flakes, garlic, fresh basil, kosher salt, and pepper. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking flow, so you can focus on building those gorgeous layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it softens and takes on a light golden hue. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the mix, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, careful not to let the garlic burn. Finish this step by stirring in the tomato paste, cooking it briefly to bring out its rich, concentrated taste.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now comes the magic of creating that silky sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring as you go to deglaze the pot and marry the tomato paste with the other ingredients. Next, add the heavy whipping cream and whisk to combine smoothly. Season the sauce with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes for that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting creaminess.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the paneer pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Lower your heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently while watching for that perfect doneness—about 75 percent cooked—to ensure the pasta absorbs the sauce without turning mushy.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking
When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the fresh spinach and basil. Let the spinach gently wilt into the sauce, adding a pop of vibrant green and a fresh earthiness. If the sauce thickens too much or the spinach soaks up too much liquid, simply add a splash of water or chicken stock to keep things saucy. Finish by folding in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a creamy, cheesy embrace.
Step 6: Finalize and Serve
Turn off the heat and give the dish one final stir to unify all the luscious ingredients. Serve steaming bowls of this creamy, colorful pasta right away. For those craving a heartier meal, topping with some grilled chicken adds a lovely protein punch, but this recipe is a star all on its own. Get ready to savor every bite of your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe!
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the dish beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves or a dusting of parmesan cheese enhances both visual appeal and flavor. For a subtle crunch and color contrast, toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts are also fantastic options.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette offers a perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large, rustic bowl for a cozy dinner vibe, or plate individual servings with a side of basil sprigs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance. You can even twist it into a cold pasta salad by chilling it and adding a few cherry tomatoes and olives for a summery twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and freshness when properly sealed.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of the spinach may soften further after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce appears too thick. Microwave reheating is also possible but stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of paneer pasta?
Absolutely! While paneer pasta offers a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and ensure your parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This swap keeps the dish flavorful without compromising its essence.
How spicy is this pasta with red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth that wakes up the flavors without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder version.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, warm the sauce gently and cook the pasta fresh to retain its best texture and taste.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables can bulk up the dish nicely, turning it into a satisfying main course perfect for hearty appetites.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delightful, flavorful, and creamy Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish brings warmth and color to your table. Give it a try and I promise, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spinach tomato pasta features paneer pasta simmered in a rich sauce made from chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Enhanced with fresh spinach, basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, it offers a flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Stock
- 17 ounces paneer pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Initial Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including paneer pasta, chicken stock, onion, heavy cream, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato oil, red chili flakes, garlic, basil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add sun-dried tomato oil. Once warm, add chopped onion and sauté until slightly browned. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes and stirring frequently to avoid burning. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly add chicken stock to the pot, deglazing and blending it with the tomato paste. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined. Add black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, mixing thoroughly into the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Add paneer pasta to the pot and incorporate into the sauce. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently and checking that pasta is about 75% cooked.
- Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking: Add fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing spinach to wilt. If needed, add a little water or chicken stock to maintain sauce consistency. Stir in freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and combine everything until creamy. Serve in bowls and optionally top with grilled chicken for additional protein. Enjoy your creamy spinach tomato pasta!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Adding grilled chicken on top can make this dish more protein-rich.
- Use fresh parmesan parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep stirring the sauce while cooking pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
