Tomato And Basil Linguine
A vibrant, flavorful linguine dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and broccoli, perfect for a quick, light meal that can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook linguine and broccoli until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes; drain well.
- Transfer the cooked linguine and broccoli to a large bowl.
- Add chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped scallions, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, passing grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the dish. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute it with dried basil, but use only a fraction as it's more potent. You can also swap the plum tomatoes for cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on your preference, similar to Italian recipes like Stuffed Giant Shells.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. For an added touch, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for protein. It's also delightful served chilled as a pasta salad. Don't forget to pass extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love a cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals with a damp paper towel covering the bowl for moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato And Basil Linguine contains roughly 113 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% 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 make Tomato and Basil Linguine ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just cook the linguine and broccoli, then mix in the other ingredients and store in the refrigerator. It can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
What can I use instead of linguine?
If you don’t have linguine, other pasta types like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta can work well. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it holds up when mixed with the sauce and vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Tomato and Basil Linguine vegan, simply omit the grated Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a great choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
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).