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.
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
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