Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

A comforting, creamy dish that combines the richness of heavy cream with the earthy flavors of spinach and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The paneer pasta soaks up the vibrant tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh basil and parmesan cheese elevates the flavors, while the garlic and red chili flakes add a touch of warmth and depth. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful Sauce

The combination of heavy cream, tomato paste, and chicken stock creates a rich, creamy sauce that envelops each piece of pasta, making every bite deliciously indulgent.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, creamy pasta dish on the table in no time. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something comforting.

3. Packed with Vegetables

Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes provide a healthy and flavorful punch, making this dish a great way to enjoy vegetables in a satisfying meal.

4. Customizable

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a personalized twist. You can also adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

5. Perfect for Pasta Lovers

If you love pasta, this dish is a must-try! The tender pasta soaks up all the creamy, flavorful sauce, creating a meal that’s as hearty as it is comforting.

Ingredients

• 17 ounces paneer pasta
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Option: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preferred spice level, or add a diced fresh chili for extra heat.
• Other Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes and stirring frequently to prevent burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Slowly add the chicken stock to the pot, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the tomato paste. Once well combined, pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix thoroughly. Add the black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the paneer pasta to the pot, stirring to incorporate the pasta into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks to about 75% done, checking for the desired texture.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

Add the fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt down. If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a bit more water or chicken stock to maintain consistency. Once the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy, stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes well distributed throughout the dish.

Step 6: Finalize and Serve

Turn off the heat and give everything a good mix until well combined and creamy. Serve the creamy spinach tomato pasta in bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil or parmesan cheese if desired. For a more substantial meal, you can top the pasta with grilled chicken or another protein of choice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pasta Texture: Keep an eye on the pasta while cooking to ensure it doesn’t overcook. You want the pasta to absorb the sauce but still have a slight bite.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Avoid Overcooking Spinach: Add the spinach toward the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and becoming too wilted.
• Garlic Flavor: Make sure to cook the garlic for just a couple of minutes to bring out its flavor without letting it burn, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
• Add More Heat: If you prefer spicier pasta, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

How to Serve

• With Grilled Chicken: For added protein, top your pasta with grilled chicken or a simple grilled steak.
• Pair with a Salad: Serve the pasta with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. To do so, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen up the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Add a little more chicken stock or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess and stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute paneer pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.

2. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can use plant-based cream, nutritional yeast for the cheese, and omit the chicken stock or replace it with vegetable broth.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce.

4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

5. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and chop them before adding them to the pot.

6. How can I make the pasta spicier?

Add extra red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy than with heavy cream.

8. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare this dish a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

9. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it a more filling meal.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

Conclusion

Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is the ultimate creamy, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. With the richness of the sauce and the freshness of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with protein and additional vegetables, this pasta dish is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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