This Paneer Pesto Pasta combines sweet cherry tomatoes with homemade pesto and paneer for a comforting and flavor packed vegetarian meal.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian, Italian

Ingredients

For marinating paneer

  • 200 grams paneer
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti (whole wheat)
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5-6 large garlic cloves (sliced thin)
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 20 cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 3/4 cup pesto (homemade or store bought)
  • 1/2 cup water (or more as needed)

Method

  1. Start by boiling spaghetti according to instructions on the package. Reserve around 1 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest and set aside.
  2. To a small bowl, add 200 grams of cubed paneer. To that now add: 1 teaspoon olive oil,1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix everything until combined. Set this aside.
  3. Heat a wide heavy bottom pan on low heat. Once hot, add 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive to it. Once the oil is relatively hot, add the sliced garlic to it. Cook the garlic for around 3 minutes, stirring often until the oil is well infused with garlic flavor. Keep the flame low, as we don't want to brown the garlic.
  4. Then add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes and stir. Now, add the prepared paneer to the pan. Cook with the paneer for 3 to 4 minutes until it gets little brown from both sides (flip the paneer once in between).
  5. Then add the cherry tomatoes halves along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and salt (to taste). Cook the tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes stirring often.
  6. Add 3/4 cup pesto along with 1/2 cup of that reserved pasta water. Mix everything together. Taste test and adjust the seasonings at the point.
  7. Toss in the boiled spaghetti. Using a pair of tongs mix the pasta well with the sauce and rest of the ingredients. You can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before serving. Serve warm!

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.