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 Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach, this pasta offers a burst of nutrients and flavors in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a satisfying meatless main course or pair it as a side dish with your favorite proteins such as grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and dairy-free, and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or other long pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- ¼ teaspoon 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
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Capers: Add half of the halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of capers to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes until it wilts.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata and green olives, and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in the butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of capers over the pasta. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a more substantial meal.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, Asiago, or crumbled Feta cheese for added richness.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme can be added for extra aroma and taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This pasta can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking, and stir often. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is recommended, but other long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini work well too.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can boost the protein content.
What can I use instead of capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers, you can omit them or replace them with chopped artichoke hearts for a similar briny flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too dry when reheated?
When reheating, add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of
Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, Kalamata olives, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meatless meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. Naturally vegetarian and easily made gluten-free, it’s a delicious, nutrient-packed option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or other long pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3 tbsp capers, drained
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Capers: Stir in half of the cherry tomatoes and 1 tbsp of capers. Cook for about 4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining tomatoes, olives, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in butter and lemon juice, mixing everything well.
- Season & Serve: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with the remaining capers. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a protein boost.
- Cheese Option: Sprinkle with Parmesan, Asiago, or Feta for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly dish.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Store for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
