Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, herbaceous pasta dish featuring tender lemon-butter sauce, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach for a fresh, vibrant meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, grated lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp grated lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; cook for 1 minute until the butter turns pale gold.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut into halves, and 8 oz fresh spinach. Toss for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix thoroughly. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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