Green Olive Linguine with Broccolini
This dish pairs tender linguine with crisp-tender broccolini, briny green olives, garlic, and lemon for a light yet satisfying meal. The olive oil-based sauce carries a burst of brightness from lemon zest and juice, while green olives bring a salty, savory edge. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer pasta night.
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
350 g linguine pasta
1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
1 cup pitted green olives, halved or sliced (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla work great)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
ℹ️ Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add linguine and cook until 2 minutes before al dented according to package instructions.
Add broccolini to the pot and cook together for the last 2 minutes.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in olives and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add drained linguine and broccolini to the skillet.
Toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan, adding a splash of pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve
Plate pasta, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes & Tips
Olive Choice: Castelvetrano olives give a buttery mild flavor; for more tang, use Manzanilla.
Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a fuller meal.
Make it Creamier: Stir in 2 tbsp mascarpone or cream cheese at the end.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
A: Yes — just cut it into small florets and blanch slightly longer before tossing with pasta.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely — just swap in gluten-free linguine or spaghetti.
✅ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~460 kcal
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 62g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: ~850mg