Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish, this creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta is the answer. Rich and velvety with the perfect blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, this recipe brings a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of Parmesan cheese makes the sauce indulgently creamy while balancing out the tanginess of the tomatoes. It’s a simple yet elevated pasta dish that’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones. Packed with vibrant ingredients, this spinach tomato pasta will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that complements the pasta perfectly.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve, making it a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty and satisfying.

3. Packed with Vegetables

With fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta is not only delicious but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

4. Versatile

You can easily customize this recipe by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite veggies for extra protein and flavor.

5. One-Pot Meal

The entire dish is cooked in one pot, making cleanup easy and convenient.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 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

1. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
2. Make it Spicy: Increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
3. Use Other Pasta: While paneer pasta adds a unique texture, you can substitute with your favorite pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
4. Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
5. Add More Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients

• Gather all the necessary ingredients: paneer pasta, chicken stock, onion, heavy whipping cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until slightly browned.
• Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the tomato paste and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• Slowly add the chicken stock to the pot, mixing it in to deglaze the pan and blend with the tomato paste.
• Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix well.
• Add the black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.

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 for doneness, cooking it to about 75% of the desired texture.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

• Add the fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt.
• If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, add a little more chicken stock or water for consistency.
• Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well distributed.

Step 6: Finalize and Serve

• Turn off the heat and mix everything together until creamy and well combined.
• Serve the creamy spinach tomato pasta in bowls.
• Optionally, add grilled chicken or other protein on top to enhance the meal.
• Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, so be sure to stop cooking it when it’s al dente.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring the best flavor to the dish, so try to use fresh whenever possible.
3. Adjust the Spice: Customize the level of heat by adding more or less red chili flakes based on your preference.
4. Stir Frequently: Make sure to stir the pasta frequently to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Creamy Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy spinach tomato pasta in individual bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. It also makes a great accompaniment to a glass of white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken stock to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove with a little chicken stock.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.

2. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.

3. Can I use non-dairy cream?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.

5. How can I make the pasta spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

6. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon make great additions to this pasta for extra protein.

7. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

9. Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, this pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

10. Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?

You can omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer, but they add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and flavorful. With rich sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and become a weeknight favorite. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your favorite protein, this pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

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