Linguine with Green Olive Sauce and Zesty Breadcrumbs

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring linguine tossed in a vibrant sauce made with green olives, anchovies, fresh herbs, and capers, topped with crispy lemon-dill breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

4 servings
32 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup panko
  • to taste kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 12 ounces linguine
  • 4 fillets anchovy fillets
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • ½ cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup green olives
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • ½ ounce Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium and cook panko, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; transfer to paper towels to drain and toss with dill and lemon zest.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, mash anchovies and garlic to a paste on a cutting board with the side of a chef's knife. Combine with parsley, basil, and half of olives and capers in a large bowl. Chop remaining olives and capers and add to bowl, along with remaining 1/2 cup oil. Mix well; season sauce with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Add pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to sauce. Toss, adding Parmesan a bit at a time, along with more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta. Add lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Serve pasta topped with panko and more Parmesan.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly against surface, and chill.