Zesty Zucchini & Basil Dream: Ina Garten’s Lemon Linguine Recipe

Summers burst with vibrant flavors that dance on our taste buds, and this Ina Garten lemon linguine with zucchini & basil recipe captures that essence perfectly.

Light, fresh ingredients blend together in a harmonious melody of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

zucchini adds a delicate crunch while bright lemon zings through each bite with incredible brightness.

basil leaves scatter like emerald confetti, bringing an aromatic dimension to the plate.

The linguine serves as a silky canvas for these remarkable ingredients to shine.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dish speaks to anyone who loves uncomplicated cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this summery pasta creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Pasta Prep: What You Need for Ina Garten’s Lemon Linguine

• Linguine: Soft, silky pasta perfect for catching delicate sauce and absorbing flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps season pasta water perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base and adds rich Mediterranean essence.

• Zucchini: Tender summer vegetable bringing light, fresh crunch and delicate green color.
• Basil: Vibrant herb that adds bright, aromatic freshness to the entire dish.
• Lemon: Provides zesty brightness and creates tangy, refreshing undertone.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce and adds creamy richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and complex spicy background.
• Pine Nuts: Delivers delicate, buttery crunch and elegant nutty dimension.

Tools & Gear for Cooking Ina’s Zucchini Linguine

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water and salt.
• Mandoline: Perfect for creating uniform, thin zucchini strips quickly and safely.
• Large sauté pan: Ideal for cooking zucchini and finishing the pasta with sauce.
• Tongs: Key for transferring pasta and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Grater: Needed for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping basil and additional prep work.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for slicing ingredients.

Step-by-Step Ina Garten Lemon Linguine with Basil

• Pasta Water Preparation

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and get it bubbling hot.

• Zucchini Adventure

Slice zucchini into delicate strips using a sharp tool. Warm some olive oil in a pan and dance the zucchini around until it softens slightly.

• Linguine Journey

Drop linguine into the boiling water and let it swim until it’s almost perfectly cooked, slightly less than the package suggests.

• Flavor Fusion

Transfer pasta directly into the zucchini pan. Introduce lemon zest, juice, and butter. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, creating a magical coating that hugs each pasta strand.

• Sauce Symphony

Gently warm everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a silky, light sauce. Add splashes of pasta water to help everything blend smoothly.

• Final Flourish

Remove from heat and welcome fresh basil, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. Give everything a loving toss. Serve immediately with extra cheese on the side for cheese lovers.

Flavor Hacks for Ina Garten’s Lemon Linguine

• Use a sharp mandoline or vegetable peeler to create uniform, thin zucchini strips for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Swap linguine with other long pasta varieties like spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle to match your pantry or preference.
• Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pan-fried tofu for a more substantial meal that keeps you full longer.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or chives to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dish's light, summery essence.
• Replace traditional linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or zucchini noodles for a dietary-friendly version of this delightful recipe.

How to Serve This Lemon Linguine Like Ina

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness that enhances the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony, herbal notes of the pasta.
• Create a Side Salad: Toss a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the linguine and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce and complete the dining experience.

Tips for Saving Leftovers of Lemon Linguine

• Maximize Meal Preparation
• Plan ahead by prepping zucchini and measuring ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Refrigerate Smartly
• Store leftover linguine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce and prevent drying.
• Freeze with Caution
• Avoid freezing this dish, as pasta and delicate herbs lose texture and become mushy when thawed. Fresh is always best for this zesty recipe.
• Quick Lunch Transformation
• Repurpose cold leftovers into a chilled pasta salad by adding extra fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a delightful next-day meal.

Bright Lemon Linguine With Zucchini & Basil Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon linguine with zucchini & basil blends Mediterranean flavors into a light summer pasta. Creamy parmesan and fresh herbs create a simple yet elegant dish you’ll crave on warm evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lbs (227 grams) dried linguine
• 2 medium zucchini, unpeeled, ends trimmed (about 14 oz / 397 grams)
• ¼ cup (60 grams) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup (15 grams) julienned fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup (35 grams) toasted pine nuts
• 3 tbsps (42 grams) unsalted butter, diced
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
2. Zucchini Transformation: Using a mandoline, slice zucchini into elegant, translucent ribbons ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a spacious sauté pan over medium flame, carefully introduce zucchini strips, and gently caramelize for 4 minutes, occasionally turning to achieve golden edges.
4. Pasta Cooking: Immerse linguine in boiling water, cooking slightly less than package instructions to maintain perfect al dente texture.
5. Liquid Integration: Transfer pasta directly into zucchini pan using tongs, purposefully capturing starchy cooking liquid for sauce development.
6. Flavor Infusion: Blend lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, butter, salt, and black pepper into the pasta mixture, creating a vibrant, aromatic foundation.
7. Sauce Refinement: Reduce heat, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a luxurious, light sauce for 2 minutes, periodically incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve silky consistency.
8. Final Embellishment: Remove from heat, delicately fold in chopped basil, grated Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts, distributing flavors evenly.
9. Seasoning Finale: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to personal preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish.
10. Presentation: Serve immediately, offering additional Parmesan cheese as an optional garnish for diners to customize their plate.

Notes

• Slice Zucchini Carefully: Use a mandoline for uniform, thin ribbons to ensure even cooking and elegant presentation.
• Capture Pasta Water: Reserve starchy liquid when transferring pasta to help create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to linguine.
• Mind Cooking Times: Cook pasta slightly under recommended al dente duration to prevent overcooking during final sauce preparation.
• Balance Flavors Gradually: Add reserved pasta water incrementally to control sauce consistency and enhance overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg