Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those hectic days when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and a light lemon garlic butter sauce creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a satisfying meatless main course or pair it as a side dish with your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
• Healthy: Packed with vegetables and made without heavy creams, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salted butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Fresh spinach
• Pitted kalamata and green olives
• Capers
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add Spinach and Olives: Stir in the fresh spinach, kalamata olives, green olives, and capers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the salted butter. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the butter has melted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared salmon.
• Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Pasta Choices: While fettuccine is recommended, you can use other types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. For a gluten-free option, substitute with your preferred gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This pasta freezes well for up to 1 month. To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta over low-medium heat in a skillet, adding a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir often until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish for about 1 minute, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well, but other long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini can also be used.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the fettuccine with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or use additional olive oil, and ensure that any added ingredients are vegan-friendly.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, if fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used. However, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

After draining the cooked pasta, you can toss it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking, especially if there’s a delay before combining it with the sauce.

What can I use instead of capers?

If you don’t have capers, you can omit them or substitute with chopped green olives for a similar briny flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, this pasta freezes well for up to 1 month. Ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.

Tomato and Spinach Pasta

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and savory olives and capers, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a healthy, meatless meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
• ⅓ cup pitted green olives, sliced
• 1 tbsp capers
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.
• Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add Spinach and Olives
  • Stir in fresh spinach, kalamata olives, green olives, and capers.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
• Combine with Pasta
  • Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet.
  • Pour in lemon juice and add butter.
  • Toss everything together until well coated and butter has melted.
  • Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Serve & Enjoy
  • Divide the pasta among serving plates and enjoy immediately!

Notes

• Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable Substitutions: Swap spinach for kale or arugula. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• Pasta Choices: Use spaghetti, linguine, or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Warm over low-medium heat with a splash of olive oil, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean