Lizzie'S Linguini
A flavorful linguini dish with savory sausage, bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy herb sauce, perfect for hearty yet elegant meals for family or guests.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 links Italian sausage, skinned and crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced carrot
- 1 lb. zucchini, cut lengthwise into strips, then chopped across into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. minced bacon
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. linguini ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add bacon and sausage; cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 1 minute longer.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon, sausage, and garlic to a bowl and set aside.
- Add butter to the juices in the frying pan.
- Add minced onion and carrot; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until vegetables are just beginning to soften but are still crisp.
- Transfer vegetables to the bowl with bacon and sausage.
- Add zucchini pieces to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until barely tender, avoiding browning.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook linguini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Return to the pan or combine with the sauce, adding heavy cream, tarragon, basil, grated Parmesan, and minced parsley.
- Toss to combine and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting turkey sausage for Italian sausage. You can also replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. If zucchini is not available, yellow squash works well too. When preparing the dish, remember to avoid overcooking the zucchini to maintain its texture. You can enhance flavors by adding a splash of white wine while cooking the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lizzie's Linguini with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables complements this meal beautifully. Pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes featuring zucchini, like Italian Zucchini And Sausage. A chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, is an excellent pairing to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may alter the texture of the linguini and sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lizzie'S Linguini contains roughly 1016 calories, with 24g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (136% of the Daily Value), calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2083mg per serving (91% 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 whole wheat linguini instead of regular?
Yes, whole wheat linguini can be used as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta tends to cook slightly differently than regular pasta.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a rich plant-based cream. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and flavor, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are cooked to your liking while maintaining their texture.
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).