Zesty Green Olive Linguine Broccolini Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that dazzle without demanding hours in the kitchen.

This green olive linguine with broccolini combines salty, vibrant flavors in a surprisingly simple pasta dish.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Briny olives add unexpected depth to the verdant broccolini, elevating a basic pasta into something extraordinary.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe promises to become a go-to meal when you want something special without complicated preparation.

Each forkful delivers a burst of fresh, zesty goodness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a plate of pure culinary joy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this linguine dish unique?

The recipe features a combination of broccolini, olives, toasted breadcrumbs, and a zesty lemon-olive mixture that adds brightness and texture to the pasta.

• Can I substitute broccolini with another vegetable?

Broccoli or asparagus can work as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the blanching and charring time based on the vegetable’s thickness and tenderness.

• How do the toasted breadcrumbs enhance the dish?

Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the pasta, providing a textural contrast to the soft linguine and tender broccolini.

Linguine with Olives and Broccolini Top Features

• Craft a Gourmet Masterpiece: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks who want a fresh, vibrant dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crispy toasted breadcrumbs, tender pasta, charred broccolini, and briny olives that make every bite exciting and complex.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary needs and pantry contents.

What Goes Into Linguine with Olives and Broccolini

• Linguine: Classic long, thin pasta that serves as the base of this dish.
• Pasta Water: Essential starchy liquid used to create a silky sauce texture.

• Broccolini, White/Light Green Onions, Dark Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that provide crisp texture and layered onion flavors.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.

• Olives, Chives, Lemon Zest: Bright and tangy ingredients that bring Mediterranean-style complexity.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich cooking fats that create smooth sauce and add richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that helps bind the sauce.

• Bread, Breadcrumbs: Crunchy element that adds textural contrast to the pasta.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Lemon Juice: Simple seasonings that balance and brighten the overall dish.

How to Cook Linguine with Olives and Broccolini

Step 1: Craft Crunchy Breadcrumbs

Toss bread chunks into a food processor and pulse until you get coarse, uneven crumbs.

Set these tasty crumbs aside for later.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccolini

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Gently drop in the broccolini with a generous pinch of salt.

Cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender.

Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Create Golden Breadcrumbs

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium flame.

Pour in enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom.

Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Char the Broccolini

Clean the skillet and return to medium-high heat.

Drizzle with olive oil and add broccolini.

Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until slightly charred.

Chop into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Return the water to a boil and add linguine.

Cook for 1 minute less than package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Build the Sauce Foundation

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Melt butter and add white and light green onions with garlic.

Cook until fragrant.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Prepare Olive Topping

• Olives
• Dark green onions
• Chives
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil

Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 8: Bring Pasta Together

Scoop 1 cup of pasta water into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.

Drain pasta and add to skillet with lemon juice.

Stir thoroughly.

Gradually sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.

Fold in chopped broccolini and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Serve pasta topped with olive mixture, crispy breadcrumbs, and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Smart Tips for Linguine Olive Broccolini Pasta

• Choose bright green, firm broccolini with tight, crisp florets for the best texture and flavor.
• Reserve pasta cooking water before draining to create a silky, emulsified sauce that helps cheese and seasonings cling perfectly.
• Watch breadcrumbs closely while toasting, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve golden, crispy texture.
• Adjust olive topping by tasting and adding more lemon zest or chives to enhance brightness and freshness.
• Cook linguine one minute less than package instructions to ensure al dente texture, allowing it to finish cooking in the sauce.

Fun Takes on Linguine Olive Broccolini Pasta

• Gluten-Free Linguine Swap: Replace regular linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Olive Delight: Substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version of the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh oregano, basil, and thyme to the olive mixture for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or white beans to increase the protein content and make the meal more substantial.

Serving Linguine Olive Broccolini Pasta Beautifully

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta as a centerpiece meal that sparks conversation and warmth.
• Mediterranean Picnic Plate: Pack the linguine in portable containers for a delightful outdoor lunch, pairing it with a crisp white wine and fresh salad.
• Elegant Starter Option: Serve smaller portions as a sophisticated appetizer at dinner parties, garnishing with extra chives and a drizzle of premium olive oil.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match this dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the bright, zesty flavors of the olives and lemon.

Storage Solutions for Linguine Olive Broccolini Pasta

• Store any remaining linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will stay fresh and retain most of its original flavor and texture.
• Skip freezing this dish as the delicate broccolini and fresh ingredients will lose their quality and become mushy when thawed.
• Warm leftover pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and help restore moisture. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and prevent breaking the pasta.
• This recipe tastes most delicious when served immediately, so try to prepare just the amount you plan to eat right away for optimal flavor and texture.

Green Olive Linguine Broccolini Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Green olive linguine with broccolini offers a Mediterranean-inspired pasta symphony that whispers rustic Italian charm. Delicate broccolini and briny olives dance together, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal you can savor in moments of culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Bread:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) linguine
• 1/4 pound (113 grams) fresh whole grain bread, cubed

Vegetables:

• 1/2 pound (227 grams) broccolini, ends trimmed
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white/light green & dark green sections separated)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chives, minced

Dairy, Fats & Specialty Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• Olive oil, as needed
• 1 (5 ounces / 142 grams) jar green castelvetrano olives, drained + halved

Seasonings & Flavorings:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Pulse bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form, then set aside for later use.
2. Boil a large pot of water and add salt. Submerge broccolini for 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Immediately transfer to ice water for 1 minute to halt cooking, then drain on paper towels.
3. Heat cast iron skillet over medium temperature. Coat bottom with olive oil. Add breadcrumbs and toast until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
4. Clean skillet and reheat with olive oil over medium-high heat. Char broccolini for 2 minutes per side until edges are slightly blackened. Chop into smaller pieces on cutting board.
5. Return water to boil and cook linguine, reducing recommended package time by 1 minute. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté white/light green onions with garlic until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Create olive topping by combining olives, dark green onions, chives, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and reserve.
8. Extract 1 cup pasta water and add to skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes. Drain pasta and add to skillet with lemon juice. Stir continuously while sprinkling parmesan cheese until melted. Incorporate chopped broccolini and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Plate pasta and garnish with olive mixture, toasted breadcrumbs, and additional parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Ensure crumbs are coarse and not too fine for optimal texture and crunch when toasting.
• Ice bath stops cooking immediately, preserving bright green color and preventing overcooking.
• Reserved starchy water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly coats linguine.
• Toast breadcrumbs and char broccolini separately to develop deep, complex taste profiles before combining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg