Linguine alla Nicolo
A delicious pasta dish brimming with vibrant flavors from capers, olives, and tuna, the Linguine alla Nicolo is a perfect combination of savory and tangy ingredients. This Italian-inspired recipe is easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Linguine | 380g |
| Salted Capers | 30g |
| Black Olives | 60g |
| Green Olives | 60g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40g |
| Butter | 100g |
| Canned Tuna in Oil | 250g |
| Pecorino Cheese (semi-aged) | 50g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the pasta water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, or according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, move on to the next steps. -
-
Dissolve the capers
In a small bowl, place the salted capers and cover them with water. Add a splash of white wine vinegar and let them soak for a few minutes to remove the excess salt. Once softened, drain and rinse them well, then gently pat dry with a paper towel. -
Prepare the olive and caper mixture
While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the black and green olives along with the rinsed capers. Place the mixture into a large bowl. -
Melt the butter and oil
In a separate pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to combine the two, making sure the butter does not brown—this should just be melted and slightly warmed. Remove from heat once fully melted. -
Combine the ingredients
Once the pasta is ready and drained, add it directly to the olive-caper mixture. Then, pour the melted butter and olive oil blend over the pasta. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated. -
Add the tuna
Drain the canned tuna and flake it into the bowl with the pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the tuna is distributed evenly throughout. -
Finish the dish
If the mixture feels a bit dry, add a small splash of the pasta cooking water to help bring everything together. Mix again to create a smooth, well-combined dish. -
Grate the Pecorino
For the finishing touch, grate the semi-aged Pecorino cheese over the pasta to your liking. For extra zing, add a bit of freshly grated lemon zest to brighten up the flavors. -
Serve and enjoy
Plate the Linguine alla Nicolo, and serve immediately. Enjoy this vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Serving Suggestions
Linguine alla Nicolo pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, featuring fresh arugula or mixed greens, lightly dressed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of lemon juice. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a savory focaccia to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Capers: If you prefer less saltiness, you can soak the capers for a bit longer to remove more of the brine.
- Tuna: Opt for high-quality, sustainably sourced tuna for the best flavor. Canned tuna in olive oil works particularly well for this dish.
- Cheese: Pecorino is the traditional choice, but a mild Parmigiano Reggiano or a sharp Grana Padano can also be used for similar results.
- Olives: Feel free to mix and match the types of olives based on what you have available or your personal preference.
This dish is full of character and easy to make, and its fresh, vibrant flavors are sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or cooking for a crowd, Linguine alla Nicolo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
