Start by boiling spaghetti according to instructions on the package. Reserve around 1 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest and set aside.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
Notes
You can use any pasta of choice here. Penne will be my second choice. I have used whole wheat spaghetti here but you can use regular flour pasta or even gluten-free pasta.
To make it even more filling, you can add veggies like broccoli, peppers, onions to this pasta. Steam some broccoli and add it to the pasta.
If you want to make this creamier and richer, add some heavy cream to the pan along with the pesto. The creamy pesto sauce will taste really good here.
You can even add some cheese to this pasta for extra flavor and creaminess. Also serve it with some freshly grated parmesan.
You can add more of the reserved pasta water if the pasta appears too dry for your liking.