Linguine Positano Recipe -

If you love pasta and fresh ingredients, then Linguine Positano is a recipe you must try! This delightful Italian dish comes from the famous town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. It’s simple to make, yet full of flavor, with ingredients like linguine, tomatoes, garlic, and basil working together to create something truly special.

The beauty of Linguine Positano is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can prepare a meal that feels gourmet but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, this dish is a great choice.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Linguine Positano. From the ingredients to the step-by-step cooking instructions, I’ll show you how to create a pasta dish that will bring the flavors of Italy right to your table.

What is Linguine Positano?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what Linguine Positano actually is. The dish gets its name from the town of Positano, located on the Amalfi Coast of southern Italy. This region is known for its fresh, vibrant cuisine that focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Linguine Positano is a pasta dish made with linguine (a long, flat pasta), extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Pecorino Romano cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a light yet flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. It’s the kind of dish that’s satisfying without being heavy, making it ideal for any time of year.

The origins of Linguine Positano reflect the classic Italian approach to cooking: using a few fresh ingredients to create something truly delicious. The dish has been popularized in the U.S. by restaurants like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, which features a similar version on its menu. However, making this dish at home allows you to enjoy the true essence of Italian coastal cuisine.

Ingredients for Linguine Positano

The key to making an authentic Linguine Positano is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Linguine pasta: This flat, long pasta is the perfect choice for this dish because it holds onto the sauce well. You can use regular or whole wheat linguine, depending on your preference.
Extra virgin olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for this dish. The olive oil provides the base for the sauce, so choose one that’s fruity and robust. Learn more about how to pick a quality extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Italian flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Fresh basil: Basil is a classic Italian herb that brings a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It’s best to use fresh basil leaves, as dried basil won’t provide the same level of flavor.
Tomatoes: Use ripe Roma tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for a rich, tangy sauce. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t in season, but make sure they’re high quality.
Pecorino Romano cheese: This salty, aged cheese adds depth and richness to the dish. For more about its flavor profile, check out Pecorino Romano cheese.

Optional Add-ins

While the basic Linguine Positano recipe is vegetarian, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:

Chicken or shrimp: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp. Just sauté the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and sauce at the end.
Vegetarian or dairy-free options: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can skip the Pecorino Romano or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Linguine Positano meal that’s sure to impress.

1. Boil the Pasta

The first step is to cook the linguine. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a bit of bite. Here’s how to do it:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Salting the water is crucial because it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and save about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This water will come in handy later if you need to thin out the sauce.

2. Make the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, you can start making the sauce. The sauce for Linguine Positano is light and fresh, made with just a few simple ingredients.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil forms the base of the sauce, so don’t be shy with it!
Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Once the garlic is ready, add the tomatoes to the skillet. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you can chop them into small pieces before adding them to the pan. If you’re using canned tomatoes, just pour them in.
Let the tomatoes simmer in the olive oil and garlic for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

3. Add Fresh Basil

Once the tomatoes have had a chance to simmer and develop flavor, it’s time to add the fresh basil. Basil adds a bright, fresh note to the sauce that balances out the richness of the olive oil and tomatoes.

Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and stir them into the sauce. You don’t need to cook the basil for long—just enough to let its flavor infuse the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta and create a silky texture.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now that both the pasta and the sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together.

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to help it spread evenly over the pasta.

5. Finish with Pecorino Romano Cheese

The final step is to sprinkle the pasta with grated Pecorino Romano cheese. This salty, tangy cheese adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients in the sauce.

Grate the Pecorino Romano directly over the pasta and toss everything together one last time.
Serve the pasta in bowls, and if you like, you can add a little more cheese on top for good measure.

Nutritional Information

One of the great things about Linguine Positano is that it’s a relatively light and healthy pasta dish. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for a typical serving:

Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving, depending on the portion size and any additional protein you add.
Carbohydrates: The bulk of the calories come from the linguine, which is a good source of complex carbohydrates.
Fat: Most of the fat in this dish comes from the extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is a healthy fat that’s high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for your heart.
Protein: You can increase the protein content by adding chicken or shrimp. The cheese also provides a small amount of protein.
Vitamins: This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the fresh tomatoes and basil.

Dietary Variations

One of the best things about Linguine Positano is how easily it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. Here are some common variations:

Gluten-Free

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy Linguine Positano by using gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available, and the sauce works just as well with gluten-free noodles. Learn more about your options with this guide to gluten-free pasta.

Dairy-Free

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can simply skip the Pecorino Romano cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The sauce itself is already dairy-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.

Adding Protein

If you’d like to make the dish heartier, you can add your favorite protein. Chicken and shrimp are popular choices, but you could also add plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Just cook the protein separately and toss it with the pasta at the end.

Cultural Significance of Linguine Positano

The Amalfi Coast is known for its focus on fresh, simple ingredients, and Linguine Positano is a perfect example of this style of cooking. The dish reflects the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs. These ingredients not only create delicious meals but also offer numerous health benefits.

Positano, a small town on the coast, is famous for its stunning views, beautiful beaches, and of course, its food. Many dishes from this region, like Linguine Positano, are made with ingredients that are locally grown or harvested. Olive oil, tomatoes, and basil are staples in many dishes from the Amalfi Coast, and these ingredients form the foundation of this simple yet flavorful pasta.

For more insight into the influence of the region’s cuisine, check out the flavors of the Amalfi Coast.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Linguine Positano, you’ll want to keep the sides and accompaniments light and fresh, just like the dish itself. Here are a few ideas:

Side Dishes

A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect side dish to complement the fresh flavors of the pasta.
Garlic bread or bruschetta makes a great addition, especially if you want something to soak up the extra sauce.

Wine Pairings

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the bright, fresh flavors of Linguine Positano. These wines are light enough to complement the pasta without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tomatoes and basil.

For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is a refreshing choice. You can also explore more about non-alcoholic wine pairings to find the perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Linguine Positano?

Linguine Positano is a pasta dish that features simple, fresh ingredients like linguine, olive oil, garlic, basil, and tomatoes. It’s named after Positano, a town on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The dish is known for its light, vibrant flavors and is a great example of Italian coastal cuisine.

2. Can I add protein to Linguine Positano?

Yes, you can easily add protein to this dish to make it more filling. Popular choices include chicken or shrimp, but you can also add plant-based proteins like tofu. Just be sure to cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and sauce at the end.

3. What other types of pasta can I use?

If you don’t have linguine on hand, you can substitute it with other types of long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. Even short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni would work, although the texture will be slightly different. For those following a gluten-free diet, there are many gluten-free pasta options available.

4. How do I store leftover Linguine Positano?

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta water to help the sauce rehydrate and prevent the pasta from drying out.

5. Can I make Linguine Positano ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and reheat the sauce. Be sure to add a little extra pasta water when reheating to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Conclusion

Linguine Positano is a beautiful, simple dish that captures the essence of Italian coastal cooking. With fresh ingredients like basil, tomatoes, and olive oil, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a favorite for pasta lovers around the world. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, Linguine Positano is sure to impress. Plus, with so many ways to customize it—by adding protein, going gluten-free, or making it dairy-free—you can enjoy this dish no matter your dietary needs.

Try making Linguine Positano at home, and bring a taste of the Amalfi Coast right to your kitchen!