Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of summer in one spectacular dish! This Lemony Summer Linguine with Grilled Vegetables is not just a meal, it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian countryside. With vibrant grilled vegetables, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the zucchini and bell pepper into thin strips and set them aside. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and leave them whole.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the sliced zucchini and bell pepper, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the grill is hot, add the zucchini and bell pepper slices. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Add the cherry tomatoes to the grill for the last 2-3 minutes, just until they start to blister. Remove all the vegetables from the grill and set aside.
- When the linguine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- In the pot with the drained linguine, add the grilled vegetables, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Once everything is well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Lemony Summer Linguine warm, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Vegetable Grilling Secrets: Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly heated before adding vegetables. This guarantees those beautiful char marks and enhances the smoky flavor.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the linguine.
- Lemon Love: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to maximize juice extraction.
- Seasoning Strategy: Season your vegetables before grilling and taste the final dish, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Herb Hack: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can add an extra layer of freshness to this summer dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
