This Green Olive Linguine with Broccolini and Breadcrumbs recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Combining the briny kick of green olives with the fresh, earthy taste of broccolini, this dish is rounded out with the satisfying crunch of golden breadcrumbs. It’s a vibrant, flavourful meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of zest and texture to their pasta night.
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 400g linguine
- 2 bunches of broccolini, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Method:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccolini to the boiling pasta water. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chopped green olives to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the drained linguine and broccolini back into the pan. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle over the toasted breadcrumbs, and top with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- The breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the soft pasta and vegetables, making them a key element in this dish.
- You can add more or less chili flakes depending on your preference for heat.
This Green Olive Linguine with Broccolini and Breadcrumbs is a quick and easy dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavours to your table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual dining experience, it combines simple ingredients in an elegantly flavourful way.