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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine (Ready in 20 Minutes)

If you’re craving comfort food pasta that feels like it came from a restaurant kitchen, this cheesy garlic butter linguine delivers. It’s buttery, packed with fresh garlic, and finished with Parmesan for a rich, silky sauce. Best of all, it’s an easy weeknight pasta recipe you can pull together fast—perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) linguine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creamy sauce)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan, for serving

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine

1) Boil the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook the linguine until al dente, following the package directions.
  3. Scoop out 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2) Cook the Garlic in Butter

  1. In a wide skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and (if using) red pepper flakes.
  3. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic—keep the heat low so the garlic doesn’t brown.

3) Build the Parmesan Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Pour in the reserved pasta water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Stir in the Parmesan and heavy cream (if using).
  3. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce looks smooth and cohesive.

4) Toss the Linguine

  1. Add the cooked linguine to the pan.
  2. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.
  3. Let it warm for about 2 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.

5) Finish and Serve

  1. Remove from the heat and mix in the chopped parsley.
  2. Plate immediately and top with extra Parmesan.

Tips & Easy Variations

  • Make it ultra-creamy: Add the heavy cream for a richer, Alfredo-style finish.
  • Add protein: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it more filling.
  • Turn up the cheese: Mix in mozzarella or Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine or pasta shape.

Final Notes

This garlic butter Parmesan pasta is simple, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for busy nights when you still want something comforting and homemade. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic, it’s the kind of linguine recipe you’ll want to make again and again.