Who doesn’t love quick and easy pasta with a tangy, spicy flavor! This Linguine with olives and capers is ready in under 30 minutes. Top with some fresh parmesan cheese, and you have an elegant dinner for one.
Why This Recipe Works
- The best pantry meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Very flavorful.
Main Ingredients Notes
Please see the recipe card below for full information and quantities.
- Olives: Kalamata olives are the classic Mediterranean olive used in many pasta sauces. However, you can also use a green olive, Spanish olive, or a mix. Olive Tapenade is also a good substitute.
- Capers: These add a spicy, acidic flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have capers handy, you can substitute some jarred and pickled artichokes for that briny flavor, but the texture and flavor will be different. You can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat.
- Pasta Fettuccini, Linguine, or Spaghetti all work well.
How to Make Pasta with Olives and Capers Sauce
Step One: Cook the Linguine per package instructions. Drain and set aside while you make the sauce.
Step Two: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet. Saute the olives, and capers for 2-3 minutes. Ad in the garlic and continue cooking until just fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Step Three: Transfer the linguine to a skillet and toss to coat the pasta.
Recipe Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; for the best flavor, it should be cooked al dente.
- Stir the garlic and capers frequently to avoid burning.
- Crushing capers before frying them will release a more intense flavor and a softer texture. However, it is unnecessary; you can also leave them whole and saute them as is.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to this simple pasta.
- A Caesar salad, or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
How to Store Leftovers
Pasta stores well for 2 days in the refrigerator. Place the pasta and sauce in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Reheat preferably in a skillet with a little added olive oil. You can reheat it in the microwave but be careful not to overcook the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capers have a tangy, salty, and slightly bitter taste with a hint of lemon. They add a burst of flavor and add texture to pasta dishes.
Yes, you can use whichever olive you prefer.
More Simple and Scrumptious Pasta Recipes
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Linguine with Olives and Capers
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dried pasta
- 5 kalamata olives pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon capers crushed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta per package instructions.
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic, olives, and capers for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Transfer the pasta to skillet and toss to coat.
Notes
- Stir the garlic and capers frequently to avoid burning.
- Crushing capers before frying them will release a more intense flavor and a softer texture. However, it is unnecessary; you can also leave them whole and saute them as is.
Nutrition Disclaimer
I am not a certified Dietitian or Nutritionist. The nutrition amounts given below is an estimate only and provided as a general guide only.