If you are searching for a vibrant, creamy, and comforting dish to brighten up your dinner table, look no further than this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe. It perfectly balances the freshness of spinach, the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the creaminess of a luscious sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade treat that feels indulgent yet nourishing, capturing a medley of colors, flavors, and textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy night in, this pasta is destined to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients, each adding a distinct layer of flavor, richness, or color to the dish. You’ll find that the combination of fresh and pantry staple ingredients comes together effortlessly to make a memorable pasta experience.
- Paneer pasta (17 ounces): A satisfying base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Chicken stock (4 cups): Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing the tomato paste and balancing the cream.
- Onion, medium, chopped (1): Provides a sweet and savory background when sautéed.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Brings that indulgent, silky texture to the sauce.
- Fresh spinach (4 to 5 ounces): Offers vibrant color and a gentle earthiness to brighten the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup): Delivers a concentrated sweet-tart flavor punch that shines through.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish to round out the flavors.
- Sun-dried tomato oil (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor in every layer.
- Tomato paste (1/3 cup): Gives the sauce its rich, savory body and a deep red hue.
- Red chili flakes (1 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle kick to awaken the palate.
- Garlic cloves, minced (5): Provides a warm aromatic base that complements all elements.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Lends a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a moment to gather and measure out all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process so smooth and enjoyable. From the paneer pasta to the fresh basil, knowing where everything is helps you focus on the magic you’re about to create.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your pot over medium-high heat and pour in the sun-dried tomato oil. Once warmed, toss in the chopped onions and let them soften and brown slightly, releasing their sweet aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking together for a couple of minutes while stirring often. This combo builds deep, robust flavor that forms the heart of your sauce.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste
Now, add the tomato paste and cook it for another couple of minutes, mixing well to meld with the vegetables. This step intensifies that vibrant tomato essence and thickens your sauce base beautifully.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring to deglaze the pan and pull up all those caramelized bits of flavor. Once everything is incorporated, pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes, giving the sauce a balanced seasoning with a subtle spicy undertone.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the paneer pasta directly into the creamy sauce and give it a good stir to coat every piece. Let it simmer uncovered on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta; cook it until it’s about 75% done to maintain perfect texture as it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking
Stir in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, allowing the spinach to gently wilt and infuse its vibrant green goodness into the dish. If the sauce looks too thick or the greens absorb too much liquid, simply add a splash of water or more chicken stock to balance the consistency. Finally, mix in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 7: Finalize and Serve
Turn off the heat and give everything a final stir until creamy, luscious, and perfectly combined. Serve this delightful creation in warm bowls, and if you like, add grilled chicken on top for an extra protein boost. Every bite brings together layers of freshness, creaminess, and rich tomato flavor — pure joy on a plate.
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves add a burst of freshness and visual appeal. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or a few crushed red pepper flakes to ramp up the flavor and spice even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. All of these sides bring contrasting textures and freshness that complement the creamy richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful ceramic bowls for a rustic yet elegant vibe. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation that makes your meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, allow it to cool to room temperature to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well if you’d like to save portions for another day. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent texture loss, it’s best to consume frozen leftovers sooner rather than later.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the paneer pasta with another type?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Since this recipe uses chicken stock, it isn’t vegetarian as written. You can easily swap the chicken stock for a flavorful vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is the pasta with the red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add just a gentle warmth, nothing too overpowering. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or other plant-based cream alternatives, and substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
What’s the best way to store leftover sun-dried tomatoes and basil?
Store sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator if they’re packed in oil, or in a cool, dark place if dry-packed. Fresh basil lasts longer wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it in oil for future use.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe. It offers a delightful way to enjoy a creamy, comforting meal that feels both hearty and fresh. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying something new, this dish is approachable, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a go and make this pasta a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender paneer pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it features a luscious blend of cream, herbs, and mild spices, ready 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
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Initial Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients such as paneer pasta, chicken stock, chopped onion, 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 to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and pour in the sun-dried tomato oil to warm it up.
- Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and cook until it turns slightly brown, developing flavor and sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent the garlic from burning and to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and continue cooking the mixture for two more minutes while stirring to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually pour the chicken stock into the pot, using it to deglaze the pan and blend with the tomato base into a smooth sauce.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream thoroughly to give the sauce its creamy texture.
- Season the Sauce: Add black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed through the sauce.
- Add Pasta: Put the paneer pasta into the pot and stir it into the sauce so that each piece is coated and mixed well.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to check pasta texture.
- Check Pasta Texture: Taste or check that the pasta is about 75% cooked before proceeding to the next step.
- Add Spinach and Basil: Add fresh spinach and basil leaves to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt into the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the spinach absorbs too much liquid and the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or chicken stock to keep a nice sauce consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly shredded Parmesan until melted and fully integrated into the creamy sauce.
- Finish Off: Turn off the heat and mix everything thoroughly until creamy and well combined, ready to serve.
- Serve the Dish: Ladle the creamy tomato spinach pasta into bowls, optionally topping with grilled chicken for added protein.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor your delicious, creamy, homemade pasta dish!
Notes
- Ensure to stir frequently when cooking pasta in the sauce to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- You can substitute paneer pasta for your favorite type of pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred.
- The sun-dried tomato oil adds deep flavor; if unavailable, olive oil can be used but with slightly milder taste.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference; reduce for less heat.
- Adding grilled chicken is optional but adds protein and makes the dish more filling.
- If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, adding a bit more chicken stock or water can help maintain the perfect consistency.
