Ideal for celebrating special moments, Giada’s Champagne and Caviar Linguine is a creamy, elegant dish prepared with linguine, Champagne, crème fraîche, fresh chives, and a generous topping of caviar. This sophisticated pasta dish is ready in around 30 minutes and serves up to 4 people.

Giada Champagne and Caviar Linguine Ingredients

• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large shallots, minced
• 1 cup Champagne
• 1 lb fresh linguine
• ¾ cup crème fraîche
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
• 3 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 (50-gram) tin high-quality caviar

How To Make Giada Champagne and Caviar Linguine

1. Prepare the Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tbsp of kosher salt for flavor. The water should be salty like the sea, enhancing the pasta’s taste.
2. Sauté the Shallots: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the minced shallots and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until the shallots turn soft and translucent without browning.
3. Simmer the Champagne Sauce: Pour the Champagne into the pan with the shallots, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly, enhancing the sauce’s flavor and texture.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the fresh linguine to the boiling salted water and cook for 3-4 minutes or until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta well.
5. Combine with the Sauce: Whisk the crème fraîche into the simmering Champagne mixture until smooth. Add the drained linguine, chopped chives, and rinsed capers to the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta, cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
6. Plate and Serve: Serve the linguine immediately, plating with a generous dollop of caviar on top of each portion. The caviar adds a perfect touch of luxury and flavor to this light, refreshing dish.

Recipe Tips

• Add some Lemon Zest: For a fresh, bright twist, grate a little lemon zest into the crème fraîche sauce. This adds a hint of citrus that balances the richness of the caviar and Champagne.
• Swap Champagne with Sparkling Wine: If you’re out of Champagne, dry sparkling wine works well, too. It adds similar acidity and depth, bringing a lively flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a mix of fresh dill and parsley over each plate before serving. These herbs add a burst of color and a hint of earthy flavor to complement the caviar.
• Use Smoked Salmon for Added Flavor: Add thin strips of smoked salmon before tossing the pasta in the sauce. It brings a subtly smoky taste that pairs well with the Champagne and crème fraîche.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Spaghetti With Clams
• Giada De Laurentiis Orzo With Clams
• Giada Mezzi Rigatoni