Linguine With Cream Cheese
Creamy linguine tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and toasted pine nuts offers a light, flavorful meal perfect for summer dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped tomatoes, cream cheese, olive oil, chopped basil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and place in a large serving bowl.
- Add the chilled tomato mixture and toasted pine nuts to the cooked linguine.
- Toss lightly to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing with the tomatoes. You can substitute fresh basil with dried herbs if needed, but use less as dried herbs are more potent. For a twist, consider adding sautéed spinach or roasted zucchini, similar to recipes like Ann'S Italian Zucchini. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, but you can replace them with walnuts if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Spaghetti Angelica, offering a delightful variety of textures and flavors. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the overall taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Cream Cheese contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1230mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and ensure that the pasta is egg-free. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes when mixing the tomato sauce or garnishing with sliced fresh chili peppers. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).