Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe brings together a delightful mix of savory flavors, offering a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. The creamy texture from the heavy whipping cream blends beautifully with the tangy tomatoes, while the spinach adds freshness and vibrancy to the dish. Topped with freshly shredded parmesan and fragrant basil, this pasta is an irresistible, well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Rich Sauce

The combination of heavy cream, tomato paste, and chicken stock creates a velvety, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

2. Packed with Flavor

The sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and basil infuse the dish with a burst of aromatic, savory flavor that makes each bite irresistible.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, this pasta comes together quickly, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily add extra vegetables, protein (such as grilled chicken or shrimp), or switch out the pasta to suit your tastes.

5. One-Pot Meal

This dish requires minimal cleanup as everything is cooked in one pot, making it a convenient and fuss-free recipe.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

Paneer pasta
Chicken stock
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

Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Different Pasta: You can swap out the paneer pasta for any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Initial Ingredients

Gather all necessary ingredients: pasta, chicken stock, onion, cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes slightly brown.

Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to stir.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

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

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the paneer pasta to the pot and stir to incorporate it into the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Check the pasta for doneness, aiming for it to be about 75% cooked, then adjust the heat as necessary.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

Add fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt down.
If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, 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 it melts and evenly combines with the sauce.

Step 6: Finalize and Serve

Turn off the heat and mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated and creamy.
Serve the creamy tomato spinach pasta in bowls. Optionally, add grilled chicken on top for a more substantial meal.
Garnish with extra basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pasta Texture: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente texture, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese to thicken it further.
Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on your heat preference.

How to Serve

This creamy spinach tomato pasta can be served on its own as a satisfying meal, or you can pair it with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. If you like, top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added cream or chicken stock.

Freezing

While pasta can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce may change. If you wish to freeze it, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add extra cream or chicken stock to bring the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any type of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti in place of paneer pasta.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken stock and use vegetable stock instead. You can also add more vegetables or a plant-based protein.

3. Can I use canned sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, canned or jarred sun-dried tomatoes work well in this recipe. Just drain and chop them before adding.

4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more red chili flakes or toss in some diced fresh chilies to increase the heat level.

6. Can I freeze the pasta?

You can freeze the pasta, but the cream sauce may change in texture. If freezing, store it in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months.

7. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage would be great additions for a more substantial meal.

8. Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like asiago, pecorino, or mozzarella if you prefer.

9. Is this pasta gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta option and ensure your stock is also gluten-free.

10. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta up to the point of serving, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and adjust the consistency with extra cream or stock if needed.

Conclusion

Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe delivers a rich and comforting pasta that the whole family will love. Whether enjoyed on its own or with added protein, it’s sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.