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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

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A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic butter sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions for al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
  4. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Cook, stirring gently, until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  5. Lower heat and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat noodles with sauce. Heat for an additional minute to combine flavors.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid burning garlic by stirring frequently and keeping heat medium. Add spinach last to keep it vibrant and tender. Use Parmesan for best flavor; for dairy-free, substitute with nutritional yeast and vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter pasta, cherry tomatoes pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-creamy-garlic-butter-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-spinach-for-quick-dinner-delight/