Enjoy the popular Linguine Positano made with fire roasted tomatoes, garlic and basil from Carrabba's Italian Grill at home.
I'm always a little hesitant to share a recipe for something that is so simple to make that it can hardly be called a recipe. But even restaurants have menu items like this too; which is why I decided to share one of Carrabba's popular menu items, Linguine Positano.
If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me too. I've mentioned before that we have a home in Florida and drive down twice a year. And yes, we do drive and with our two dogs too.
We generally drive about 13-14 hours on the first day; then stop to sleep and get something to eat.
Our dogs are little and do not fair well left alone in a hotel room, so we generally find restaurants that offer take out, order our meals from the car; then pick it up before heading to our destination.
Since we usually stop in the same area each time, our choice is either Applebee's or Carrabba's; depending on if we're going or coming home.
There are some steak restaurants as well, but there's something about eating a rib eye steak from a styrofoam container that I just can't get behind.
One time we stopped, I ordered Carrabba's Rigatoni Martino, but it's no longer on their menu.
This time I just wanted some plain pasta without your typical marinara sauce and saw that they described their Linguine Positano as "Crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil."
Simple enough and perfect for what I was in the mood for.
They said you can also add grilled shrimp or chicken, but I opted to keep my pasta as-is. Like most destinations in Italy, where I'm assuming they got the name 'Positano' from; pasta dishes are usually made using fresh, local ingredients with robust flavors.
This Linguine Positano did not disappoint and held up to the classic Italian flavors of basil, garlic and tomatoes.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you'll need:
- linguine pasta
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic
- fresh basil
- diced or crushed tomatoes
- grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
I used fire roasted diced tomatoes in this recipe because it just gives everything a nice flavor.
How do you make Linguine Positano?
First cook the pasta in a large pot on top of the stove according to package directions; leaving it al dente. While the pasta is cooking, add oil to a large nonstick skillet along with the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Next, add the tomatoes and basil and allow to heat through. Add the cooked linguine and the grated cheese to the skillet; then toss to coat.
This entire meal was ready in about 20 minutes and was delicious. This Carrabba's pasta dish may call this recipe Linguine Positano, but this is how I normally make pasta at home in a pinch when I don't want a typical red sauce.
You can also add some other vegetables to the mix, chicken or shrimp, but I like this just the way it was meant to be. A simple, delicious and quick Italian weeknight meal. ~Enjoy!
VISIT THE RECIPE INDEX TO SEARCH FOR MORE RECIPES BY CATEGORY.
More Copycat Recipes
- Rigatoni Martino {Carrabba's Copycat}
- Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (The Capital Grille Copycat)
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat)
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Linguine Positano {Carrabba's Copycat}
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Linguine
- 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 1- 15(ounce) can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- ¼ c. Fresh Basil, chopped
- ¼ c. Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot until al dente; drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, add oil to a large nonstick skillet along with the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add the tomatoes and basil and allow to heat through. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet; then toss to coat. Add grated cheese if desired to your liking.
Julia says
During the pandemic, I worked overnight so I wouldn't be around other people. Since I got to work about 7pm, there weren't a lot of restaurants to order from, so Carabbas's became one of my go-to's. Over the next year, I tried almost everything on their menu, but the Linguine Positino is definitely one of my very favorites. My dad is from Italy and this is one of his favorites also. I was going to make tonight anyway, good to see that I had the recipe almost the same as yours (only difference is that I decided to add some sauteed sweet onion - just because I love sweet onion). Your recipe is more authentic to the Carabba's version, they don't put in theirs. Thanks for the double-check!
The other bonus on ordering take-out from Carabba's is the bread - being Italian, I have to have bread or I just can't eat! Theirs is warm, crusty and served with olive oil & herb mixture. (see below on grill baste).
For the vegan question above, they serve the cheese on the side, so no problem there.
For the chicken question, they use a mix of onion powder; garlic powder; dried oregano; red pepper flakes; olive oil & lemon juice to coat chicken breasts and then grill. This is very similar to the herbs they give you on to-go order with the bread & olive oil (probably is the same). They use same on shrimp; pork chops, etc.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. I love when food creates or reminds us of memories. 🙂
Alicia says
Do you have the recipe for the chicken they add to this? So excited to try it!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I do not, I'm sorry. I hope you like the recipe!
JC says
Carrabbas menu lists this as vegan, so there would be no cheese in it.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Then you can certainly leave out the cheese.
Dianna says
Do you drain the tomatoes???
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
No, you can use the entire can with the juices
Tina says
I had lunch at Carabbas. I had Linguine Positano. It was great !!! I can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks for posting the recipe, I’ll let you know how it turns out 🤗
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
shannon b. says
Absolutely delicious and so simple! Made several times and can't get any easier for a quick no brainer dinner.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I'm so glad you liked the recipe Shannon.