If you’re searching for a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together the earthiness of fresh spinach, the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan-infused sauce all hugged by tender paneer pasta. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this dish feels both indulgent and nourishing—a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again for dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial, each contributing unique flavors and textures that make this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe truly unforgettable. From the fresh brightness of basil to the creamy richness of whipping cream, every element has a starring role.
- Paneer pasta, 17 ounces: Provides a hearty and chewy texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken stock, 4 cups: Adds depth and savory richness to the sauce.
- Medium onion, chopped: Lends sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- Heavy whipping cream, 1 cup: Brings smoothness and creaminess to the dish.
- Fresh spinach, 4 to 5 ounces: Offers a vibrant color and nutritional boost.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup: Packs an intense tomato flavor with a slight chewiness.
- Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup freshly shredded: Delivers salty sharpness that melts into the creamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomato oil, 1 tablespoon: Infuses extra tomato essence during sautéing.
- Tomato paste, 1/3 cup: Concentrates the tomato goodness and thickens the sauce.
- Red chili flakes, 1 teaspoon: Adds just a hint of spicy warmth.
- Garlic cloves, 5 minced: Brings fragrant aromatics that elevate every bite.
- Fresh basil, 1/4 cup: Contributes herbal freshness and a pop of green.
- Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors evenly throughout.
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within reach. This will streamline your cooking process and help you focus on layering flavors as you go.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a pot over medium-high heat and pour in the sun-dried tomato oil. Once it’s glistening, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s slightly golden and soft, releasing its natural sweetness that forms the savory base of the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes to gently toast the garlic while infusing the oil with that intense, tangy tomato flavor without letting the garlic burn.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and continue stirring for another 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the paste slightly and deepens its rich flavors, creating a nuanced foundation for the sauce.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then, stir in the heavy whipping cream to start forming the luscious, creamy sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Season the Sauce
Add the black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring well to blend these spices. The chili flakes add a subtle kick that balances the creaminess without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 7: Cook the Paneer Pasta
Add your paneer pasta directly into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be about 75% cooked; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 8: Add Spinach and Basil
Once the pasta is nearly done, add fresh spinach and basil leaves. Allow the spinach to wilt down naturally into the creamy sauce, folding in the fresh herbaceous notes of basil. If the sauce becomes too thick from the spinach’s moisture absorption, add a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain a silky consistency.
Step 9: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Finally, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates into the sauce, adding a beautiful salty tang and extra creaminess that rounds out every forkful.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Turn off the heat and give everything a final gentle mix. Spoon the pasta into warm bowls, maybe topped with some grilled chicken if you’re craving additional protein. Dive in immediately and savor every delightful bite of this comforting meal!
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top add both charm and brightness. For a bit of texture, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil elevate this dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs brilliantly with a crisp, green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are also fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, layering it in mason jars with cheese and herbs before baking gives a lovely twist for potlucks or take-along meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next serving even tastier.
Freezing
This spinach tomato pasta can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze before adding the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, as they don’t always reheat well. Freeze the pasta and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream as needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While paneer pasta is wonderful here, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will hold the sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting chicken stock with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make great additions for a heartier meal that complements the creamy spinach tomato sauce.
How spicy is this pasta?
This dish has a mild heat level due to the red chili flakes, but you can adjust the amount or omit them altogether based on your spice preference.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomato oil?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, regular olive oil works just fine. The oil primarily helps intensify the tomato flavor but substituting won’t negatively impact the dish.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, flavorful hug at the end of a long day. It’s a wonderful combination of fresh, creamy, and slightly tangy notes that come together effortlessly and impressively. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten up your meals and bring comfort any day of the week!
Print
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spinach tomato pasta combines tender paneer pasta with a rich tomato and sun-dried tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil, all brought together with luscious heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal, this recipe offers layers of flavor and vibrant colors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Liquids
- 17 ounces paneer pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
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
Cheese and Oils
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
Seasonings
- 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 necessary ingredients, including paneer pasta, chicken stock, chopped onion, heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato oil, red chili flakes, minced garlic, fresh basil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil, warming it until fragrant.
- Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes slightly browned, enhancing its sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine flavors.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually add the chicken stock to the pot, deglazing the pan and blending the tomato paste thoroughly into the liquid.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well to create a rich, creamy sauce base.
- Season the Sauce: Add black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring to fully incorporate the seasonings and build flavor depth.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the paneer pasta to the sauce and stir to coat it evenly.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the pasta to absorb flavors.
- Check Pasta Texture: Ensure the pasta is about 75% cooked; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Add Vegetables: Add fresh spinach and basil to the pot, stirring until the spinach wilts down and integrates into the sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the spinach absorbs too much liquid causing thickening, add a little more water or chicken stock to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts, making the sauce creamy and flavorful.
- Finalize and Combine: Turn off the heat and mix the dish thoroughly to ensure a well-combined creamy texture.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy tomato spinach pasta into bowls, optionally topping with grilled chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
- Enjoy: Savor the comforting flavors of this creamy, vibrant pasta dish.
Notes
- The paneer pasta used in this recipe is an Indian cheese pasta which adds a unique texture and flavor.
- Adding grilled chicken is optional for a non-vegetarian version with additional protein.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your preferred heat level.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add extra chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
- Use fresh basil for optimal flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- For vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken stock with vegetable stock.
