• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook's Hideout
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » 30 Minute Meals » Pasta with Checca Sauce

    Asparagus Spinach Pasta with Checca Sauce

    Published: Mar 2, 2022 by Pavani · 21 Comments

    5 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Looking for an easy vegetarian pasta sauce? Then try this checca sauce made with fresh tomatoes and basil. A simple no-cook pasta sauce that takes just a few minutes to put together. I love to serve it with pasta along with sautéed asparagus and spinach.

    This is a quick and easy recipe that is great to make on a weeknight. A delicious meal for the whole family.

    White bowl with asparagus spinach pasta.

    Table of contents

    • About the Recipe
    • What is Checca Sauce?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
      • Make Checca Sauce
      • Make Asparagus Spinach Pasta
    • Expert Tips
    • You might also like
    • Recipe Card

    About the Recipe

    My kids love pasta and I am always on the look out for new pasta recipes. This Indian lasagna and this chipotle cream pasta are some of their favorites.

    Today's dish is a simple pasta dish made with no-cook pasta sauce. I had this dish called 'Spaghetti alla checca' at California Pizza kitchen few years ago. It was almost love at fist bite and I have been making it at home ever since.

    It is a quick fix pasta dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. I choose veggies like asparagus and spinach that don't take too long to cook. So the most time taking process for this dish is boiling water and cooking the pasta.

    Add your favorite vegetarian protein to make this a wholesome meal. Italian style baked tofu or simple sautéed tofu would be great options here. Beans like chickpeas or white beans or froze meatless meats are also perfect.

    White bowl with asparagus spinach pasta.

    What is Checca Sauce?

    Checca sauce is an Italian fresh tomato sauce made with uncooked cherry tomatoes, scallions, garlic and olive oil. It has a lot of flavor from all the fresh ingredients and since it is no-cook, it adds the same punch to the pasta. Also it takes just few minutes to make the sauce in the food processor.

    Ingredients

    For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make Checca Sauce:

    • Cherry tomatoes - can be subbed with grape or other small tomatoes.
    • Fresh basil
    • Garlic cloves
    • Scallions or green onions
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Olive oil - choose a good quality olive oil.
    • Salt and pepper
    Ingredients needed to make Checca Sauce - details in recipe card.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make spinach and asparagus pasta:

    • Pasta - generally thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta are used with checca sauce. But feel free to use any shape you have on hand.
    • Fresh or frozen asparagus
    • Fresh or frozen spinach
    • Salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

    In addition to the veggies, I add some kind of a veggie protein to make this is a wholesome dish. Some of my favorite protein options are beans, baked tofu, edamame, meatless meat. In the photos you see, I used frozen meatless chicken.

    Ingredients needed to make pasta - details in recipe card.

    Instructions

    For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here is how to make spaghetti alla checca aka pasta checca:

    Make Checca Sauce

    In a food processor or a blender, combine cherry tomatoes, scallions, garlic, basil, cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse or blend until the tomatoes are crushed and the sauce is still chunky. Make sure that the tomatoes are not completely pureed.

    2 panel photo showing the making of sauce in a food processor.

    Make Asparagus Spinach Pasta

    Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.

    3 panel photo showing the cooking of spaghetti.

    Heat olive oil in a large saute pan on medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook until they are tender and lightly charred around the edges, about 4~5 minutes.

    Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2~3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

    3 panel photo showing the sautéing of asparagus and spinach.

    Add the checca sauce, mix well and turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine. Add reserved pasta water if the dish looks too dry. Top with vegetarian protein of choice and enjoy!!

    4 panel photo showing the addition of pasta sauce to veggies and pasta.

    Expert Tips

    • Use any juicy and tasty small tomatoes. Cherry, grape or small vine tomatoes are all good options.
    • Please use fresh basil for the best flavor.
    • Since this is a fresh no cook pasta sauce, it is best to make it just before adding to the pasta. Basil might oxidize and discolor if left in the fridge.
    • Though thin spaghetti and angel hair pasta are traditional for this recipe, feel free to use whatever small or medium size pasta you have on hand.
    • Either fresh or frozen veggies will work great here.
    • Other veggies like broccoli, green beans, swiss chard, kale etc. can also be used.
    • Make sure to add your favorite protein to make this a wholesome meal. You can use beans, baked tofu, edamame, meatless meat etc.
    • This pasta is best eaten right after it is made. But if you happen to have any leftovers, store n an airtight container for 1 day.
    Person holding a white bowl and a fork with spaghetti.

    You might also like

    Here are a few more quick dinner recipes that you might like:

    • Thai split pea soup
      How to make Instant Pot Thai Split Pea Soup
    • Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice Recipe
    • Vegan Lemon Cream Sauce for Pasta
    • White bowl with mushroom pasta
      How to make Chipotle Cream Pasta sauce
    White bowl with asparagus spinach pasta.

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Recipe Card

    Top view of a white bowl with spaghetti and vegetables.

    Asparagus & Spinach Pasta with Checca Sauce

    Checca sauce is a simple no-cook pasta sauce made with tomatoes and basil. I love to serve with asparagus spinach pasta. Video included!!
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Course: noodles pasta
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    For the Checca Sauce:

    • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 5 ~ 6 Scallions, coarsely chopped
    • 3 Garlic cloves, crushed
    • 8 ~ 10 Fresh Basil leaves
    • 3 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
    • 3 tablespoons Extra virgin Olive oil
    • To taste Salt & Pepper

    For Asparagus Spinach Pasta

    • 8 oz. Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 bunch of Asparagus (about 20~24), cut into 1" pieces
    • 4 cups Spinach, chopped
    • To taste Salt & Pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
    • 2 cups Diced Baked Tofu or Cooked Beans or Meatless meat

    Instructions

    Make the Checca sauce:

    • In a food processor or a blender, combine cherry tomatoes, scallions, garlic, basil, cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse or blend until the tomatoes are crushed and the sauce is still chunky. Make sure that the tomatoes are not completely pureed.

    Make Asparagus Spinach Pasta:

    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
    • Heat olive oil in a large saute pan on medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook until they are tender and lightly charred around the edges, about 4~5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2~3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
      Add the checca sauce, mix well and turn off the heat.
    • Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine. Add reserved pasta water if the dish looks too dry. Top with vegetarian protein of choice and enjoy!!

    Video

    Notes

    • Use any juicy and tasty small tomatoes. Cherry, grape or small vine tomatoes are all good options.
    • Please use fresh basil for the best flavor.
    • Since this is a fresh no cook pasta sauce, it is best to make it just before adding to the pasta. Basil might oxidize and discolor if left in the fridge.
    • Though thin spaghetti and angel hair pasta are traditional for this recipe, feel free to use whatever small or medium size pasta you have on hand.
    • Either fresh or frozen veggies will work great here.
    • Other veggies like broccoli, green beans, swiss chard, kale etc. can also be used.
    • Make sure to add your favorite protein to make this a wholesome meal. You can use beans, baked tofu, edamame, meatless meat etc.
    • This pasta is best eaten right after it is made. But if you happen to have any leftovers, store n an airtight container for 1 day.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 526mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3481IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

    More 30 Minute Meals | Quick & Easy Vegetarian Weeknight Meals

    • Baking sheet with mushroom and cheese open face sandwich.
      Zapiekanka Recipe
    • Top view of a red bowl with peanut noodles.
      Easy Peanut Noodles Recipe
    • Uganda Groundnut Sauce
      How to make Ugandan Groundnut Sauce
    • Sooji Laddoo (Semolina Laddu Recipe)
    5 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hayley Dhanecha

      March 19, 2022 at 2:41 am

      5 stars
      We absolutely loved your Asparagus spinach pasta recipe and your tips were so helpful and helped us make perfect pasta. This will be a regular at ours now

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    My profile photo.

    Hi, I'm Pavani! the cook in this hideout. Cook's Hideout is all about delicious vegetarian dishes from India and also from around the world. Here you will find recipes that are easy AND tasty to make.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Blue plate with cups of chocolate custard.
      How to make Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder
    • Brown plate with a stack of Ethiopian flatbread.
      Easy Injera Recipe | Step by Step
    • Plate with fried plantains and a bowl with garlic sauce.
      Cuban Tostones with Mojo Sauce Recipe
    • White bowl with bangaladumpa vepudu
      Masala Potato Fry | Andhra Style

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Blue bowl with sweet and spicy berry chutney
      The Best Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe
    • Vegan potato latkes
      How to make Eggless Latkes
    • White plate with stack of Danish Aebleskivers
      How to make Vegan Ebelskivers Recipe
    • Vegan Fruit Cake
      How to make Eggless Christmas Plum Cake

    My Cookbooks

    Vegetarian Indian Instant Pot Cookbook.
    The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook.

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe

    Contact

    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme

    5 shares