If you’re craving a vibrant, cozy dish that brings together fresh greens and tangy tomatoes in every comforting bite, this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. The creamy sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomato oil and Parmesan cheese, wraps around perfectly cooked paneer pasta, creating a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that will make this meal an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making a spectacular meal. Each item in this recipe is chosen carefully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that truly make the pasta stand out.
- 17 ounces paneer pasta: Provides a tender, satisfying base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 4 cups chicken stock: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the creamy tomato sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and crunch when sautéed just right.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious, smooth sauce that balances acidity.
- 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach: Offers vibrant color and a healthy, earthy flavor.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Infuses rich, concentrated tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: Enhances the sauce’s tomato base with a robust, fruity essence.
- 1/3 cup tomato paste: Boosts the tomato intensity and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds a subtle kick to enliven the dish.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Lends aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil: Sprinkles in a refreshing herbal note that brightens the pasta.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a gentle spice with every bite.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the Parmesan, and measure out everything so the cooking process flows smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the sun-dried tomato oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become golden brown, which unlocks their natural sweetness and gives a beautiful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring often to keep the garlic from burning. Then add the tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes to develop its rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, scraping the pot’s bottom to deglaze and release all those tasty caramelized bits. Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream and season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes, blending everything into a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the paneer pasta directly to the pot and stir to coat every piece with the sauce. Keep the heat at a low-medium setting and cook uncovered, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until the pasta is about 75% tender. This method lets the pasta soak up all the delicious sauce flavors.
Step 6: Add the Greens and Finish Cooking
Toss in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, letting the spinach wilt down gently. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of water or chicken stock will help keep things creamy and perfect. Finally, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy and silky.
Step 7: Finalize and Serve
Turn off the heat and give the dish a final stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Serve the creamy, colorful pasta in warm bowls and, if you like, top it with grilled chicken to add a hearty protein boost.
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for that vibrant, fresh look. A drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil or a pinch of chili flakes can amp up the visual appeal and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement the dish’s richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also layer it in individual glass jars for picnics or packed lunches, making this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe both elegant and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, but because of the cream and fresh spinach, texture may change slightly. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months, but for best quality, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Warm up your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly and keeps the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While paneer pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties to suit your preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken stock for a rich vegetable broth to keep it entirely vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy does this pasta get?
The recipe has a gentle heat from red chili flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it milder or more fiery based on your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce a day ahead, store it chilled, and then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
What’s the best way to keep the spinach vibrant?
Add the spinach at the very end of cooking and stir just until wilted to keep that fresh green color and avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is like inviting you to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and flavor. It’s a wonderful blend of freshness, creaminess, and a hint of spice that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Bring these ingredients together and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
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Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy spinach tomato pasta combines tender paneer pasta with a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Enhanced with fresh spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of red chili flakes, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner.
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
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 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 ingredients including paneer pasta, chicken stock, chopped onion, heavy 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 sun-dried tomato oil. Once warmed, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly browned to develop flavor.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the paste blends well with the aromatics.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, mixing well to combine with the tomato paste and vegetables.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir thoroughly. Add black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, mixing to fully incorporate the spices.
- Add the Pasta: Add the paneer pasta directly into the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Check that pasta is about 75% cooked at this stage.
- Add Spinach and Basil: Add fresh spinach and basil leaves to the pot. Allow the spinach to wilt down, adding extra water or chicken stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and mix everything together one last time to ensure creaminess and full flavor distribution.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve the creamy tomato spinach pasta in bowls and optionally top with grilled chicken for added protein and heartiness.
- Enjoy: Dig into this delicious, flavorful creamy spinach tomato pasta for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute paneer pasta with other types of pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred.
- If you want a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your heat preference.
- To keep the sauce from becoming too thick, add small amounts of water or stock as needed while cooking.
- The dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
