Description
This creamy cheesy garlic butter linguine is a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender linguine tossed in a luscious sauce made from garlic sautéed in butter, rich heavy cream, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine (or your favorite pasta)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to thoroughly coat the pasta in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta is well coated, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the rich, cheesy, garlicky goodness of this comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook it just until fragrant and light golden for best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or omit them for a milder version.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or pasta water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
