Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce
Elegant linguine shaped like guitar strings, tossed in a bright lemon-herb sauce with sun-dried tomatoes for a playful, restaurant-worthy pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes blends Linguine, Olive oil, finely chopped Fresh thyme into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Linguine
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp, finely chopped Fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup White wine
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Pecorino Romano
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz linguine, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly crispy.
- Step 3: Add 2 tsp chopped thyme, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup white wine to the skillet, simmering for 3 minutes until the wine reduces by half and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to emulsify, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano until the cheese melts into a glossy coating.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Savory Guitar String Pasta with Lemon-Herb Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.