Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

This creamy spinach tomato pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A satisfying blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese makes this recipe not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or for when you want to indulge in a comforting pasta dish with a twist. The rich flavors of garlic, basil, and red chili flakes bring depth and a little kick to the creamy sauce, while the fresh spinach adds color and texture. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to be a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This pasta dish is simple to prepare, taking just under 30 minutes to make. The steps are easy to follow, and it uses readily available ingredients.

2. Rich and Creamy

With a base of heavy cream, parmesan, and tomato paste, the sauce is luxuriously creamy. The blend of ingredients ensures a velvety texture and an indulgent flavor.

3. Packed with Vegetables

Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a healthy touch to the dish. The spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, creating a nutrient-packed meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili flakes. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some mushrooms for a protein-packed version.

5. Comforting Yet Light

This pasta combines the rich flavors of a creamy pasta dish with the lightness of fresh vegetables, giving you a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel too heavy.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Paneer pasta
• Chicken stock
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Heavy whipping cream
• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomato oil
• Tomato paste
• Red chili flakes
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh basil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Variations

1. Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed sausage for added protein.
2. Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cream and omit the parmesan to make this dish vegan-friendly.
3. Add Extra Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
4. Spice it Up: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
5. Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have paneer pasta, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients: paneer pasta, chicken stock, chopped onion, heavy cream, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sun-dried tomato oil, red chili flakes, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a pot, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until slightly brown. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring to avoid burning the garlic. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Slowly add the chicken stock to the pot, mixing it to deglaze the pan and blend with the tomato paste. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, making sure the spices are well incorporated into the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the paneer pasta to the pot, stirring to combine with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The pasta should be about 75% cooked by the end of this step, so check for desired texture.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

Add the fresh spinach and basil to the pot. Let the spinach wilt down into the sauce, stirring occasionally. If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, add a bit more chicken stock or water to achieve the right consistency. Once the spinach has wilted and the sauce is creamy, stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until it melts completely.

Step 6: Finalize and Serve

Turn off the heat and mix everything together to ensure it’s well combined and creamy. Serve the creamy spinach tomato pasta in bowls. For an extra protein boost, top with grilled chicken or your preferred protein.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding both flavor and texture. If you use frozen spinach, be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to check the pasta frequently as it cooks. You want it to be al dente, not too soft, so it holds up well in the sauce.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, add more cream or cheese. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute with a lighter option.
• Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, reserve some pasta water before draining and use it to loosen up the sauce.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.

How to Serve

This creamy spinach tomato pasta is perfect on its own as a main dish. However, you can pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy texture of the pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra cream or chicken stock to keep the sauce from thickening too much. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat on the stovetop, adding extra cream or stock to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta types?

Yes, any pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni would be great alternatives to paneer pasta.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

4. Can I make this recipe without cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be a little less rich.

5. Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Yes, vegetable stock works as a great substitute for chicken stock, making this dish vegetarian-friendly.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

8. Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, this pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cooled before freezing, and reheat with some extra cream or stock.

9. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage to make it a heartier meal.

10. What can I serve this pasta with?

This pasta is perfect on its own, but it pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines fresh vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan cheese in a luscious sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Quick, customizable, and delicious, it’s the perfect pasta meal for anyone who loves a good creamy pasta with a burst of fresh, savory flavors. Enjoy!

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