Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce. With a base of chicken stock, heavy whipping cream, and parmesan cheese, this pasta is the ultimate indulgence. The addition of garlic, basil, and a touch of chili flakes gives the sauce a well-rounded depth of flavor, while the spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit.

The richness of the creamy sauce paired with the tender pasta and fresh spinach creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a unique, tangy sweetness that complements the savory elements, while the parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making each bite melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy, making it a versatile dish that works well as a main course or as a side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta offers a perfect combination of comforting ingredients, easy preparation, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats every noodle. The use of paneer pasta creates a satisfying texture, while the creamy sauce enhances the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It’s a quick, one-pot dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The optional addition of grilled chicken makes it a well-rounded meal for those who prefer a protein-packed dish.

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Ingredients

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

Variations

• Add Protein: If you’d like to make the dish more filling, grilled chicken or shrimp is a great option to add on top.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the red chili flakes for a spicier kick or add some crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: This dish is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
• Use Different Pasta: You can switch out the paneer pasta for other varieties like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti to suit your preference.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients. You’ll need 17 ounces of paneer pasta, 4 cups of chicken stock, 1 medium onion, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 4-5 ounces of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/3 cup of tomato paste, 1/2 cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil, 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of fresh basil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes slightly brown. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour the chicken stock into the pot to deglaze the pan and mix it with the tomato paste. Once well-combined, add the heavy whipping cream and stir until smooth. Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, mixing everything together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the paneer pasta to the pot and stir to combine it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Check the pasta to ensure it’s cooked to about 75% done, adjusting the cooking time based on the pasta’s texture.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

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

Step 6: Finalize and Serve

Turn off the heat and mix everything together until the dish is creamy and well combined. Serve the creamy spinach tomato pasta in bowls. If you want a heartier meal, top it with grilled chicken.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this dish, as it wilts down nicely and blends well into the sauce.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level. You can also add a touch of hot sauce for an additional spicy flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta continues to absorb the sauce, make sure to cook it just to the right texture before adding the spinach and cheese.
• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil really enhances the flavor of the sauce. Don’t skip this step for the best result.

How to Serve

This creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls
• A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover spinach tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish reheats wonderfully and makes for a great lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish before or after baking. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool, then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re short on time.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine in place of the paneer pasta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this pasta in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.

3. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil works best, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, you can substitute plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

5. Can I use heavy cream substitutes?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes would be great additions.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a little more chicken stock or water to achieve your desired consistency.

9. Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Fresh spinach is recommended, but you can use canned spinach if needed. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the dish.

10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy and satisfying meal that combines the best of fresh ingredients in one pot. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and vibrant spinach, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite!

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