Bring water to a boil. Cook Fettuccine per instructions, about 1.5 minutes. Reserve ¼ C water. Set it aside.
Add oil and butter to a large skillet, heat on medium high heat. Sautee garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add za’atar spice and red pepper flakes, cook for about 30 seconds to bloom spices.
Reduce heat to medium low and add cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to break down. You can lightly press down on tomatoes as they start to break down to release the liquid.
Remove pan from heat, add the fettuccine and splash of reserved pasta water.
Add the spinach and lemon zest. Mix all together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Plate and top with any additional za’atar or lemon zest. Enjoy.
Notes
Za’atar is a trendy middle easter spice blend that consists mainly of dry oregano, basil, thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, salt & pepper.
This is a very quick recipe to make. While your water is coming to boil you can start sauteing the garlic and tomatoes. By the time the pasta is cooked it should be about time to add to the pan with everything else.