I discovered an irresistible dinner idea that transformed ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed meal. Sautéed garlic, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and spinach create a delightful, light sauce that beautifully coats pasta. This is one of my favorite Recipes With Spinach And Tomatoes that remind me how simple meals become extraordinary experiences.

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I recently whipped up this garlic butter pasta with spinach and tomatoes that really surprised me. I used 8 oz of my favorite pasta, tossed in 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to create a simple yet tasty sauce.

Then I added halved cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped spinach for that burst of color and flavor. The dish got a quick seasoning of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like just a little heat.

I love how the fresh tomatoes and spinach come together with the creamy butter to create a recipe that feels light but still satisfying. I even sprinkled in some grated Parmesan cheese to make it extra special.

Its simplicity is what makes it a winner on busy weeknights or weekends when you have a little extra time to enjoy every bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I like how simple it is to make. Even if I’m not a great cook, i can follow the steps and get the dish tasting amazing pretty fast. Second, the flavor just blows me away. The garlic, butter, and tangy cherry tomatoes mix together in a way that makes every bite super delicious. Third, the recipe feels a bit healthy with all that fresh spinach, but it still feels really indulgent because of the buttery sauce; its like the best of both worlds. Lastly, i like that its super forgiving—if i mess up the seasonings a little or the sauce gets too dry, i can always add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a sprinkle of Parmesan to save the dish.

Ingredients

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Pasta supplies carbohydrates for energy; its texture is filling and mild in flavor.
Butter adds a rich creaminess with fat; it makes the dish smooth and satisfying.
Garlic gives a bold, aromatic punch and offers antioxidants along with a slight spicy kick.
Cherry tomatoes lend a sweet and tangy burst while supplying vitamins and fiber.
Spinach is nutrient rich and loaded with iron and fiber, adding freshness and vibrant color.
Salt and pepper enhance flavors by balancing and intensifying the taste of the dish.
Optional red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese add extra kick and cheesy richness.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine)

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 oz pasta until it’s al dente, then reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

2. In a big skillet, melt the 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until ya smell its aroma.

3. Toss in the halved pint of cherry tomatoes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you like a little heat sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes, then cook for around 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes push a bit.

4. Stir in the 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, this should only take about 2 minutes.

5. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and spinach and mix everything well.

6. If the sauce looks a little dry, pour in some of that saved pasta water while continuously stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to make sure it’s just right.

8. Optionally, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor.

9. Give everything a final stir once the cheese is melted slightly and integrated.

10. Serve immediately while its hot and enjoy your easy garlic butter pasta with spinach and tomatoes!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling pasta
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Big skillet for making the sauce
4. Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce
5. Cutting board for chopping the tomatoes and spinach
6. Knife for chopping ingredients
7. Measuring spoons for butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
8. Measuring cup for saving the pasta water
9. Optional grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQ

Q: How long should I cook the pasta?

A: Cook it as per the package directions until it's al dente. That helps it mix well with the sauce.

Q: My garlic keeps burning. Any tips?

A: Make sure you lower the heat after adding it and stir it constantly so it cooks gently.

Q: Can I switch out the spinach with another green?

A: Sure, but fresh spinach really adds a best flavor and texture to this dish.

Q: What pasta type works best?

A: I usually use spaghetti or fettuccine, but you can actually try any kind of pasta you prefer.

Q: Can I add extra veggies or proteins?

A: Absolutely, adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chicken can make it a heartier meal.

Garlic Butter Pasta With Spinach And Tomatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Instead of regular pasta, you can try gluten-free or whole wheat varieties to mix things up.
Unsalted Butter: If you dont have butter, olive oil or ghee works pretty well as a substitute.
Garlic Cloves: You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, just reduce the amount to about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Cherry Tomatoes: You might replace them with diced plum tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in hot water.
Spinach: Consider using arugula or kale if you dont have fresh spinach on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont let the garlic burn – keep stirring and lower the heat if you need to, because burnt garlic can totally mess up the flavor of your dish.
2. Save that pasta water and add it slowly later on if your sauce seems too thick. A little extra water really helps to tie all the flavors together.
3. When you add the red pepper flakes, be careful. A little goes a long way so add a pinch at a time until you get the heat just right.
4. Taste your dish as you go and dont be afraid to toss in a little extra butter or Parmesan cheese at the end if you think the sauce needs a boost of richness.

Garlic Butter Pasta With Spinach And Tomatoes Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

400

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large pot for boiling pasta
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Big skillet for making the sauce
4. Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce
5. Cutting board for chopping the tomatoes and spinach
6. Knife for chopping ingredients
7. Measuring spoons for butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
8. Measuring cup for saving the pasta water
9. Optional grater for Parmesan cheese

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 oz pasta until it's al dente, then reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
In a big skillet, melt the 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until ya smell its aroma.
Toss in the halved pint of cherry tomatoes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you like a little heat sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes, then cook for around 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes push a bit.
Stir in the 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, this should only take about 2 minutes.
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and spinach and mix everything well.
If the sauce looks a little dry, pour in some of that saved pasta water while continuously stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to make sure it's just right.
Optionally, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor.
Give everything a final stir once the cheese is melted slightly and integrated.
Serve immediately while its hot and enjoy your easy garlic butter pasta with spinach and tomatoes!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.