Paneer Pasta is a delightful culinary adventure that marries the best of Indian and Italian flavours. This mouthwatering recipe combines tender paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with al dente pasta, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant spices like ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Every bite is a burst of savoury, tangy goodness that will have you craving more.
About the Recipe
If you want to spice up your pasta game, this Paneer Pasta recipe is a must-try. It’s a delicious fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, combining the rich flavours of paneer (a fresh, unsalted white cheese) with the comforting goodness of pasta. The best part? It’s easy to make and sure to become a new family favourite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll surely love this Paneer Pasta for its incredible depth of flavour and the way it seamlessly blends two distinct culinary traditions. The marriage of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and luscious paneer creates a truly unique and irresistible dish. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up your usual pasta routine and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity.
Paneer Pasta
Cooking Tips
For best results, cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent it from getting mushy. Also, be sure to use high-quality paneer – it makes a world of difference in terms of taste and texture. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. And if you want an extra creamy sauce, you can stir in a dollop of cream or yogurt at the end.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This Paneer Pasta is best served hot and fresh, garnished with some grated paneer and freshly chopped coriander leaves. It makes a hearty and satisfying main course, easily serving 2-3 people. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. just reheat gently before serving.
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Nutrient Benefits
Paneer is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making this dish a nutritious choice. The tomatoes provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the spices like ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Overall, this Paneer Pasta is a well-balanced meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Paneer Pasta
Ingredients
- 100 gms Pasta (cooked as per packet instructions)
- 2 tbsp Paneer (grated + 2 tblsp, finely chopped)
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tomato (small, finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1/2 to 3/4 tsp Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- Garam Masala Powder (a pinch)
- Coriander Leaves (little)
- 1 tsp Oil
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium flame.
- Add the ginger garlic paste, onions and saute until golden.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and stir well.
- Cook for a minute.
- Add the red chilli powder, salt and saute for another 60 seconds.
- Add the chopped paneer pieces and stir well.
- Add 3 to 4 tsp of water and add the cooked pasta.
- Stir until evenly mixed.
- Reduce flame to low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add garam masala powder, coriander leaves and mix again.
- Remove and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with grated paneer and serve at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of paneer?
Paneer is a fresh, unsalted white cheese that’s essential for this dish’s authentic flavour. However, if you can’t find paneer, you can substitute it with firm, high-quality ricotta or halloumi cheese. Just be mindful that the taste and texture will differ slightly.
Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes, this Paneer Pasta recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly. To make it gluten-free, merely use your favourite gluten-free pasta instead of regular wheat pasta.
Can I make this dish spicier or milder?
surely. The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily adjust the spice levels to your liking. For a spicier kick, add more red chili powder or throw in some finely chopped green chilies. If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
How can I make this dish richer and creamier?
For an indulgent, creamy twist, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking. This will add a lovely richness and silky texture to the sauce. You could also use a combination of tomato sauce and cream as the base.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Without a doubt. Fresh, ripe tomatoes can lend a beautiful, vibrant flavour to this dish. just chop them finely and cook them down with the onions and spices until they form a lovely sauce. You may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
