Let me tell you, making linguine is one of the simplest joys of home cooking! It’s like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. This easy linguine recipe is perfect for beginners, and trust me, you don’t need to be a chef to whip it up! I remember the first time I made it; I was so nervous, but it turned out beautifully, and my friends were impressed! The best part? It requires just a handful of ingredients, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful pasta adventure together!
Ingredients
- 200g linguine pasta – This is the star of the dish! Linguine is a flat noodle that pairs beautifully with sauces, making it perfect for our recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A little drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps to sauté our ingredients. It’s like liquid gold!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a burst of flavor. Be sure to mince it finely so it blends well into the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds a nice kick! Adjust according to your spice preference.
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, these little gems will soften and create a delightful sauce.
- Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper will add a nice touch of warmth.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Not just for looks! Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish and vibrant color to your dish.
How to Prepare Linguine
Boil the Water
First things first—let’s get that water boiling! Fill a large pot with water, then add a generous pinch of salt. This step is crucial because it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the linguine. You’ll want to see those bubbles dancing!
Cook the Linguine
Once the water is boiling, it’s time to add the linguine! Toss in the pasta and stir it gently. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, which is usually around 9-11 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. You want it to have a slight bite, so don’t wander off too far while it cooks!
Make the Sauce
While the linguine is cooking, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic turns a lovely golden brown—be careful not to burn it! Next, toss in those halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices, creating a beautiful sauce. The aroma will be irresistible!
Combine and Serve
When your linguine is perfectly cooked, drain it, but save a bit of that pasta water—trust me, it’s a game changer! Add the drained linguine to the skillet with your tomato sauce, mixing it all together. If the sauce feels a bit thick, pour in a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and plate it up! Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your creation while it’s hot!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time! Al dente pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten, so taste it a minute or two before the package suggests.
- Save some pasta water: That starchy water is gold! It helps to thicken sauces and makes everything creamy.
- Substitute ingredients: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch. Canned tomatoes can replace fresh ones if you’re in a hurry.
- Mix up the herbs: Feel free to experiment! Oregano or parsley can also brighten up your dish.
- Be generous with seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Nutritional Information
This easy linguine recipe is not only delicious but also reasonably healthy! Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of protein, and 54g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal while being mindful of what’s on your plate!
FAQ About Linguine
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While linguine is fantastic, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
What if I don’t have fresh basil? No worries! You can use dried basil instead, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. So, use about one-third of the amount. Alternatively, try parsley or oregano for a different flavor twist!
How can I add protein to this dish? If you’re looking to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just toss them in when mixing the pasta and sauce.
Can I make this vegan? Yes! Simply replace the olive oil with a plant-based option and skip any cheese toppings. This dish is naturally vegetarian, so you’re already halfway there!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out. This will help maintain that delicious flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, fresh tomatoes, and basil creates a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for anyone just starting out in the kitchen—no fancy techniques required!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist. This way, you’ll keep all that delicious flavor intact!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this guide!
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit Food Network.
And if you’re interested in the health benefits of pasta, see this article on Healthline.
Print
Delicious Linguine: 5 Steps to Master Comfort Food
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious linguine recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 200g linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic is golden.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they soften.
- Drain the linguine, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Add linguine to the pan with tomatoes. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite.
- Fresh tomatoes can be replaced with canned if needed.
- Experiment with different herbs for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: linguine, pasta, easy recipe, beginner cooking, Italian cuisine
