Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this Linguine Tapenade recipe, a quick and elegant dish bursting with savory and zesty notes. Perfectly al dente linguine is coated in a homemade tapenade made from briny black olives, garlic, capers, and fresh parsley, elevated with bright lemon zest and juice for a citrusy kick. A touch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat, while optional Parmesan cheese provides a velvety finish. With just 15 minutes of prep and less than 30 minutes total, this simple yet sophisticated pasta dish makes an ideal weeknight dinner or an impressive option for entertaining. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, alongside a crisp glass of white wine for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the linguine until al dente, according to package instructions (approximately 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set linguine aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the tapenade. In a food processor, combine the black olives, garlic cloves, capers, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped but still slightly chunky.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth paste-like consistency. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the red pepper flakes. Let the flakes sizzle for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with the tapenade and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Calories |
2842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.1 g | 239% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.3 g | 211% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 228 mg | 76% | |
| Sodium | 7760 mg | 337% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 219.2 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 86.6 g | 173% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1671 mg | 129% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 1422 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.