Green Olive Linguine with Broccolini & Lemon Breadcrumbs
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta featuring salty green olives, tender broccolini, silky garlic–olive oil sauce, and crispy lemon breadcrumbs. Light, fresh, and full of flavor—the perfect quick weeknight meal.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15–20 minutes
Total: 25–30 minutee
Ingredients
For the Pasta
200g linguine
Salt for boiling
Vegetables & Olives
1 bunch broccolini, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup green olives, pitted & sliced (Castelventro recommended)
3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional; skip for your mild preference)
Zest of 1 lemon
2–3 tbsp lemon juice
Lemon Breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt + pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
Finishing
Extra olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon Breadcrumbs
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
3. Toast until golden and crispy (3–4 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
5. Set aside.
2. Cook the Linguine
1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine and cook until al dente.
3. Add broccolini into the pot during the last 2 minutes.
4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Make the Olive–Garlic Sauce
1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pan on medium.
2. Add the sliced garlic and sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
3. Add sliced green olives and toss.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes if using.
5. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.
4. Combine Everything
1. Add linguine + broccolini to the pan.
2. Toss well to coat, adding pasta water as needed to make it silky.
3. Taste and adjust:
More lemon for brightness
More olives for saltiness
More olive oil for richness
5. Serve
Top generously with lemon breadcrumbs
Drizzle extra olive oil
Add chopped parsley if you like
Serve immediately.
Notes
Castelventro olives give the best buttery flavor.
Adding pasta water helps emulsify the olive oil into a glossy sauce.
Breadcrumbs add essential crunch—don’t skip them!
Tips
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for extra protein.
Swap broccolini for asparagus, spinach, or peas.
Add a spoonful of capers for extra Mediterranean flavor.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Can this be made vegan?
Yes — everything is naturally vegan!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free linguine & GF breadcrumbs.
Can I meal prep it?
The pasta reheats well; toast breadcrumbs fresh for crunch.
Approx Nutrition information
Calories: 480
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 62g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 6g