. To start, you need a big pot. Fill it with 4-5 quarts of water. Add salt to taste. Bring it to a rolling boil. This step is key for good pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of linguine. Cook it for 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. When it's done, drain it in a colander. Remember to save 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps the sauce later. Next, grab a large skillet. Place it on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. The butter will start to foam, and that’s good. Now, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. Stir it often to keep it from burning. You want the garlic to smell amazing and turn slight golden. Once the garlic is ready, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the butter and garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step warms the cream nicely. Now, add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts. The sauce should become rich and creamy. Time to combine! Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Gently toss to coat every strand with sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, use that reserved pasta water. Add it a tablespoon at a time until you like the creaminess. For a little kick, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want. Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure every bite is tasty. To serve, place the cheesy garlic butter linguine on warm plates. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy every delicious bite! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To melt cheese without clumping, keep the heat low. Add cheese slowly and stir constantly. This helps it blend smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. You can adjust flavors by adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Look for signs of perfectly al dente linguine. The pasta should be firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite when you chew it. Timing is key; start checking a minute or two before the package time ends. This way, you get the perfect texture every time. For variety, consider adding extra ingredients. Cooked chicken or shrimp can make this dish heartier. You can also add seasonal veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, make great garnishes. They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor, making your dish look and taste amazing. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition of cheesy garlic butter linguine by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp are great choices. - For Chicken: Cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. - For Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in the garlic butter until they turn pink. This adds a fresh taste and pairs well with the creaminess. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up flavors well and add texture. Adding vegetables not only enhances the taste but also adds nutrition. You can use seasonal veggies to keep it fresh. - Spinach: Mix in fresh spinach toward the end of cooking. It wilts nicely and adds color. - Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Pairing veggies with the dish provides vitamins and minerals. You can use broccoli or zucchini for extra crunch. While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with different cheeses. - Cheddar: Try sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. It melts well and adds a rich taste. - Goat Cheese: This cheese offers a tangy twist. It creates a creamy texture that complements the dish. If you're looking for dairy-free options, consider cashew cream or nutritional yeast. They give a creamy feel without the dairy. To store your cheesy garlic butter linguine, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Try to use it within three days. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the creamy goodness later! To reheat your pasta, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until hot. This helps avoid dried out pasta. You want it creamy and delicious, just like when you first made it! If you want to freeze it, put the cooled linguine in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before for the best results! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or broth. This way, you keep the meal fresh and tasty. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each of these options will change the flavor slightly, but they keep the dish creamy. Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians. It uses cheese and butter, which are vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check the labels on your cheeses to avoid any animal rennet. To add spice, include red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers. You can also use a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Start small and taste as you go. You can use several pasta types instead of linguine. Good options include fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Each pasta will give a different texture but will still taste great with the garlic butter sauce. This blog post covered a delicious creamy garlic butter linguine recipe. You learned the key ingredients, from linguine to fresh parsley. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect pasta and sauce. Tips for enhancing flavor and storage advice help you enjoy leftovers. Feel free to make variations with proteins, veggies, and cheeses. This dish is easy to adapt and customize. Enjoy your creamy linguine as a go-to meal for any occasion!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fa75bb33-e796-462a-aa50-c999fbf9b0e8-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine! This delightful pasta dish is packed with rich flavors from garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Perfect for any occasion or a cozy night in. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your pasta game today!