Leaping Leopard Linguine

Leaping Leopard Linguine is a quick and easy recipe that takes just minutes to make in the air fryer. With a combination of marinara sauce, lemon juice, garlic, basil, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to please your taste buds.

The Leaping Leopard Cafe is a beloved institution in the Bay Area, known for its innovative and delicious Italian cuisine. One of their most popular dishes is the Leaping Leopard Linguine, a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that is said to have originated in the early 1980s. The story goes that a young chef at the restaurant was experimenting with different pasta dishes and stumbled upon a combination of marinara sauce, lemon juice, garlic, basil, and mozzarella cheese that was so good, it quickly became a favorite among the staff and customers alike. The dish was eventually added to the menu and has been a staple ever since.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound paleo linguine, cooked
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked linguine, marinara sauce, lemon juice, garlic, basil, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
5. Spread the coated linguine in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned.
6. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
7. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.

Why It Works

• The air fryer cooks the linguine quickly and evenly, resulting in a tender and slightly browned pasta.
• The combination of marinara sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and basil creates a flavorful and aromatic sauce.
• The mozzarella cheese melts and coats the linguine, adding a creamy and cheesy texture.