Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, adorned with vibrant cherry tomatoes and protein-packed edamame that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a quick, nutritious, and incredibly delicious meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both light and satisfying, proving that gourmet cooking can be simple and fun.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of linguine, 1 cup of shelled edamame, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help flavor the pasta.
- Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shelled edamame to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and tender.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
- Once the linguine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine in a colander.
- Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the edamame and tomatoes. Toss everything together to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the linguine with edamame and tomatoes to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious Linguine with Edamame and Tomatoes as a light and healthy meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's the secret to flavorful pasta from the inside out.
- Use fresh garlic and don't let it burn, as it can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the linguine.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best burst of flavor.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu to make the dish more substantial.
- Fresh basil is non-negotiable - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg