If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that brings together the freshness of garden vegetables and the richness of creamy pasta, this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. With its luscious sun-dried tomato undertones, hearty spinach, and the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, this pasta offers a delightful medley of flavors that brighten any mealtime. The combination of simple but carefully chosen ingredients makes it accessible, while the end result feels truly special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, ensuring your dish is bursting with color, texture, and bold flavors. These simple essentials come together effortlessly to create a creamy, savory sauce with fresh, vibrant notes that will keep you coming back for more.
- Paneer pasta (17 ounces): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce and soak up every bit of flavor.
- Chicken stock (4 cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce while helping to cook the pasta beautifully.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Provides a savory, slightly sweet base that enhances every bite.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Fresh spinach (4 to 5 ounces): Adds vibrant color and a tender, earthy taste that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup): Infuses every forkful with intense, tangy tomato flavor and a chewy texture contrast.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (1/2 cup): Brings savory umami and a subtle nuttiness as it melts into the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomato oil (1 tablespoon): A flavorful oil that amplifies the tomato essence and adds richness to the sauté.
- Tomato paste (1/3 cup): Thickens the sauce and sharpens the tomato flavor, making it irresistible.
- Red chili flakes (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (5): Offers aromatic warmth and depth that elevates every ingredient.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle heat that ties the dish together perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Base Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients so you have everything within reach. This step sets you up for smooth cooking without scrambling for items mid-recipe, helping you focus on building that rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Warm the sun-dried tomato oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add your chopped onions and cook them until they soften and become translucent with a slight golden hue. This simple caramelization intensifies their natural sweetness, laying the flavor foundation for your 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 so the garlic doesn’t burn but instead releases its magnificent aroma. The sun-dried tomatoes bring an irresistible tangy punch that complements the creamy base perfectly.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste
Incorporate the tomato paste and give it a thorough stir to meld it with the onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow it to cook for another couple of minutes to deepen the flavors and coax out that concentrated tomato sweetness.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock slowly, stirring constantly. This deglazes the pan, capturing all those tasty browned bits and blending them beautifully with the tomato paste. Follow with the heavy whipping cream to bring a luscious creaminess that wraps all components together delightfully.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. These seasonings add just the right amount of heat and savoriness to balance the cream and tomatoes, creating a harmonious sauce that promises comfort in every bite.
Step 7: Cook Pasta in Sauce
Introduce the paneer pasta directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat every strand or piece, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Aim to cook it until it is about 75% tender so it can finish absorbing flavors later.
Step 8: Add Spinach and Basil
Once your pasta is nearly done, mix in the fresh spinach and basil. The spinach will wilt quickly, blending its silky texture and fresh flavor throughout. If you notice the mixture thickening too much, add a bit more chicken stock or water to keep it silky and smooth.
Step 9: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Finally, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan. As it melts, it enriches the sauce with a gentle nutty tang and creamy silkiness that defines this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe. Mix until everything is uniformly combined, creamy, and utterly inviting.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Turn off the heat and give the pasta a final stir. Serve this comforting creamy tomato spinach pasta in bowls, and if you like, top it with some grilled chicken to make it even more filling. Dig in with your favorite fork and savor each spoonful!
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and taste by sprinkling some extra shredded Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves before serving. A little drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil on top can also add a glossy finish and boost the tomato flavor dramatically.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted garlic bread. Both add freshness and crunch that balance the creaminess and richness of the main dish perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful centerpiece, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with colorful basil chiffonade and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes. You could also layer a serving in clear glass bowls or stacked dishes for an inviting look that shows off all the lovely colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its creamy texture well, although the spinach may wilt further, which is perfectly fine for reheating.
Freezing
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but because of the cream and spinach, texture changes are possible. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwaving works too; just reheat in short bursts and stir in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock, and you’ll keep all the flavors intact while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Paneer pasta or other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work great as they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite type based on preference.
How spicy is this dish?
The red chili flakes add a mild warmth that can be adjusted to taste. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or increase slightly for more heat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit of flour to thicken may help maintain the sauce consistency.
Is it possible to add protein to make this meal more filling?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu all pair beautifully with this pasta and elevate it into a wholesome main course.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines comfort, elegance, and vibrant flavor in a way that feels both special and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s guaranteed to impress while being easy enough to whip up anytime the craving hits. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a beloved staple on your dinner table.
Print
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta combines paneer pasta with a creamy tomato sauce enriched with chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal. Finished with fresh basil and a hint of red chili flakes, this pasta dish balances creamy and tangy flavors, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
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 Extras
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 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 until warm.
- Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it becomes slightly brown to enhance its sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic and to release the tomato flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the sauce base.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and combine it with the tomato paste and cooked vegetables.
- Add Cream: After the stock is well combined, add the heavy whipping cream and stir thoroughly to create a rich and creamy sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Mix in black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add Pasta: Add the paneer pasta to the pot and stir it into the sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce although it should be about 75% cooked at this stage.
- Check Pasta Texture: Taste or test the pasta to ensure it has reached about three-quarters of doneness before adding the greens.
- Add Fresh Spinach and Basil: Stir in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, allowing the spinach to wilt completely in the hot sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain a creamy and loose sauce consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and well incorporated throughout the pasta.
- Finalize the Dish: Turn off the heat and give a final stir to ensure the sauce is creamy and everything is evenly combined.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy tomato spinach pasta into bowls, ready to enjoy.
- Optional Protein: For a more substantial meal, top with grilled chicken if desired.
- Enjoy: Relish your delicious creamy tomato spinach pasta dish!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred tolerance for spiciness.
- Adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms can boost the protein content.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little extra stock or water to loosen it.
- Paneer pasta can be replaced with any other preferred pasta shape.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
