Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta is your answer! This dish is everything you crave—rich, garlicky, buttery, and cheesy, all wrapped up in a silky linguine pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or a quick comfort food fix. The garlic butter sauce is creamy and packed with flavor, while the gooey melted cheese makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t be able to stop coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy nights when you still want a comforting and flavorful meal. No complicated steps—just toss everything together and you’re good to go!

Decadent and Flavorful

The garlic butter sauce is rich, aromatic, and incredibly flavorful, making every bite of this linguine feel like a little moment of indulgence. Plus, the melted cheese adds the perfect creamy texture that’ll have you savoring every forkful.

Versatile

This dish is great on its own, but it’s also fantastic paired with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or even a grilled protein like chicken or shrimp. You can also customize the cheese to your liking, adding a little extra parmesan, mozzarella, or even some crumbled feta if that’s your jam.

Kid-Friendly

The cheesy, buttery flavor of this pasta is universally loved, making it an excellent option for family dinners. Even picky eaters will be happy to dive into a bowl of this creamy, garlicky goodness!

Ingredients

Linguine Pasta

The star of the dish! Linguine noodles are the perfect base for this garlic butter sauce, with just the right width and texture to hold all that creamy goodness.

Butter

Rich, creamy butter is essential to the sauce. It’s what gives the garlic butter sauce its velvety, smooth texture.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is the key to creating that aromatic, savory base. It infuses the butter with that irresistible flavor that makes this pasta so delicious.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth to the sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the garlic and butter, creating a balanced, flavorful sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella brings that creamy, stretchy quality that makes this pasta feel extra indulgent. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan is a match made in heaven.

Olive Oil

A little bit of olive oil helps sauté the garlic and adds extra richness to the dish. It’s a must for deepening the flavor of the sauce.

Fresh Parsley

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a slight freshness that balances out the richness of the cheese and butter.

Salt and Pepper

Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 12g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by cooking the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for flavor! Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, toss in the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Add Cheese to the Sauce

Once the garlic is fragrant, lower the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheeses to melt, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. The pasta should be silky and coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and get ready for an amazing, comforting meal.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta

Pair with a Salad

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness of the pasta, making for a perfectly well-rounded meal.

Add a Protein

You can easily make this a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms. The cheesy garlic butter sauce works well with almost any protein!

Bread on the Side

Serve this pasta alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread or a fresh baguette to soak up any leftover sauce. You’ll want to make sure you don’t miss a drop of that cheesy goodness.

As a Main or Side Dish

This pasta can be served as a main dish on its own, or as a delicious side to accompany your favorite protein. It’s versatile and can be adapted to suit any meal!

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Cheese: If you prefer a cheesier dish, feel free to add more mozzarella or parmesan. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or asiago for a different flavor.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers: This pasta is still delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra butter or olive oil to revive the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

A1: Yes! If you don’t have linguine, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. The garlic butter sauce will work just as well with different shapes.

Q2: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A2: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A3: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use plant-based cheese instead of the mozzarella and parmesan.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A4: Absolutely! Roasted vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini would make a great addition to this pasta. You can stir them in at the end for extra flavor and texture.

Q5: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

A5: Fresh garlic works perfectly in this recipe! It provides a more intense, aromatic flavor that complements the butter sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its rich, creamy sauce, indulgent cheese, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you serve it as a main or side dish, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

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