Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and plant-based dinner that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors? Look no further! This Olive Thyme Tapenade Linguine recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or when you simply crave something incredibly satisfying. It's a fantastic way to use up that last bit of olive tapenade in your fridge, transforming it into a rich, aromatic pasta sauce that comes together in minutes.
The original creator, @veganonthesavannah, shares their obsession with olives and tapenade, leading to this brilliant dish. And as one delighted user commented, "Mmmm... 😋 Mixing tapenade with ginger is new to me and actually sounds like a great idea. Thank you! 🙏⭐" This unique twist truly elevates the classic tapenade experience. Get ready for a meal that's both elegant and incredibly simple!
What You'll Need
This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large pan or skillet
- Whisk or fork
Ingredients
- 200g Linguine pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1/4 cup good quality olive tapenade
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for cooking and garnish
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking linguine)
- Your favorite vegan chicken pieces (e.g., Vejoy nuggets)
- A handful of fresh olives, pitted and halved (optional, for extra olive goodness)
Instructions: How to Make Olive Thyme Tapenade Linguine
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Follow these simple steps for a delightful meal.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 to 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be crucial for creating a creamy sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add your favorite vegan chicken pieces and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- In the same pan (or a clean one if you prefer), add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and minced ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the olive tapenade to the pan. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the tapenade jar, close it, and shake well to get every last bit of flavor. Add this tapenade-infused water mixture to the pan.
- Stir the tapenade mixture well, letting it simmer gently for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Drain the cooked linguine and add it directly to the pan with the tapenade sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, topped with the fried vegan chicken pieces, fresh thyme sprigs, and optional halved olives.
Variations & Adaptations
This versatile recipe can be easily customized to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (rice, corn, or lentil-based).
- Protein Boost: Instead of vegan chicken, try adding sautéed chickpeas, firm tofu cubes, or tempeh.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some fresh baby spinach at the end, or sauté some cherry tomatoes or mushrooms with the garlic and ginger for added nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant warmth.
- Herb Swap: While thyme is classic, fresh parsley or oregano could also complement the tapenade beautifully.
Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Olive Thyme Tapenade Linguine is simple with these handy tips:
- Don't Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly creamy and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Quality Tapenade Matters: Since tapenade is the star, invest in a good quality one. The flavor will shine through!
- Fresh is Best: Freshly minced garlic and ginger make a significant difference in the vibrancy of the sauce.
- Toast Your "Chicken": Frying your vegan chicken until it's nicely browned and crispy adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft pasta.
This quick and easy Olive Thyme Tapenade Linguine offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create profoundly satisfying vegan meals.
We’d love to see your creations! Try out this recipe and share your delicious results on abillion!
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