If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting creaminess, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe. It’s an absolute delight that masterfully combines fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and luscious creamy sauce with perfectly cooked paneer pasta. This recipe captures the essence of cozy, indulgent dining while staying beautifully balanced and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of carefully selected ingredients that all play their part in creating that harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. Each element is essential, ensuring each bite sings with flavor and satisfying richness.
- Paneer pasta (17 ounces): The perfect hearty base, carrying all the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Chicken stock (4 cups): Adds deep savory notes and helps build the sauce’s body.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Brings sweetness and a golden base when sautéed.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The hero of creaminess, making the sauce indulgently smooth.
- Fresh spinach (4 to 5 ounces): Adds a vibrant green freshness and slight earthiness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup): Packs an intense, tangy punch that brightens the dish.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (1/2 cup): Provides a salty, nutty richness that melts into the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomato oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses the sauté with an extra layer of tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (1/3 cup): Concentrates the tomato taste and thickens the sauce.
- Red chili flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick balancing the creaminess.
- Garlic cloves, minced (5): Infuses aromatic depth and a slight punch.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Brings a refreshing herbal brightness and aroma.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gentle spice.
How to Make Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients so the process is smooth and enjoyable. Chopping the onion, mincing garlic, and measuring out the stock and cream sets you up for success. Preparing everything in advance ensures you won’t be scrambling mid-cook and makes the experience more fun.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your pot over medium-high and add the sun-dried tomato oil – it’s bursting with flavor and will infuse the dish from the very first step. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing a natural sweetness that’s key to our sauce’s depth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes to let the garlic bloom and the tomato oils meld into the onions. This step is crucial as it builds the aromatic base of our Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Now stir in the tomato paste. Cooking it for about 2 minutes will help bring out its sweet and tangy character while thickening your sauce base wonderfully. This concentrated flavor gives the pasta recipe its signature rich tomato taste.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock carefully, using it to deglaze the pot and scrape up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. Then, add the heavy whipping cream and stir until everything is beautifully combined into a silky, comforting sauce. Season it with kosher salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes to perfectly balance the flavors.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the paneer pasta directly into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes. This technique allows the pasta to absorb the flavors while getting tender but still slightly firm — the perfect texture for your meal.
Step 7: Add the Greens and Finish the Sauce
Toss in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, letting the spinach soften and wilt naturally into the creamy sauce. If the mixture thickens too much because of the greens, just add a splash more chicken stock or water to keep things luscious. Finally, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates seamlessly, elevating the entire dish.
Step 8: Serve
Turn off the heat and give everything a loving final stir to combine the layers of flavor perfectly. Now you’re ready to plate your masterpiece – this Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the pot!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded Parmesan or freshly torn basil leaves on top adds a wonderful visual and flavor boost. For a touch of indulgence, drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. These finishing touches make every bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some lightly toasted garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that dreamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter also make delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual deep plates or rustic bowls to keep the sauce contained while showcasing the beautiful swirls of creamy sauce, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Layer with grilled chicken slices on top for an elegant twist that turns the pasta into a complete meal. Add a freshly cracked black pepper grind at the end for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato pasta will keep happily for up to 3 days, ready to revive for lunch or dinner without losing its delicious essence.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well if you want to store it longer. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Because of the cream and fresh spinach, it’s best thawed slowly in the refrigerator overnight and reheated gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving is fine too, but stirring every 30 seconds helps keep the pasta’s texture intact while warming evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as creamy and flavorful.
What type of pasta works best here?
Paneer pasta is great, but feel free to use your favorite shape like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the perfect texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle hint of heat thanks to the red chili flakes, but it’s very mild and can be adjusted up or down to suit your preference.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Yes! Grilled or sautéed chicken and shrimp both pair beautifully with this pasta. Simply cook them separately and add as a topping or mix in during the final stages.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it a little longer uncovered, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry. Just be sure to stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe that makes it perfect for any day when you want a burst of rich flavors paired with fresh greens. It’s not only simple to prepare but also endlessly rewarding on the palate. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, tangy forkful as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This creamy spinach tomato pasta combines paneer pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce enriched with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is savory, slightly spicy from red chili flakes, and elevated by aromatic basil, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta & Liquids
- 17 ounces paneer pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Vegetables & 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
Dairy
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Oils & Pastes
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
Spices & Seasonings
- 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, onion, heavy cream, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato oil, red chili flakes, garlic, fresh basil, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil to warm up.
- Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the warm oil and sauté until it turns slightly brown, developing a sweet flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend flavors.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits and mixing it thoroughly with the tomato paste.
- Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, blending it evenly into the sauce to create a creamy texture.
- Season the Sauce: Add the black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes; stir well to incorporate all seasonings.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the paneer pasta into the pot and stir to coat it fully with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the pasta cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Check Pasta Texture: Taste the pasta and ensure it is about 75% cooked before proceeding.
- Add Spinach and Basil: Stir in 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 little more water or chicken stock to keep the sauce smooth and saucy.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Mix in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- Finalize the Dish: Turn off the heat and stir everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy spinach tomato pasta into bowls. Optionally, top with grilled chicken for extra protein and substance.
Notes
- Use paneer pasta or substitute with your favorite pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Sun-dried tomato oil adds a unique flavor; if unavailable, olive oil can be used.
- Adjust red chili flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- Adding grilled chicken on top makes the dish heartier for meat-eaters.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add extra chicken stock or water to loosen it.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable stock.
