Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is the kind of weeknight magic I crave – delicate ribbons of pasta tossed in a creamy, dreamy sauce laced with fresh herbs and bright lemon zest. This dish is fast, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, earning its place among my all-time favorites for both laid-back dinners and easy-yet-impressive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: The creamy sauce clings to each noodle, delivering cozy flavors and the kind of satisfaction only pasta can provide.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: You can whip up Linguine with Garlic & Herbs faster than takeout, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
- Endlessly Customizable: Toss in chicken, shrimp, or your favorite veggies to make it your own—it’s a recipe that adapts to what you love or have on hand.
- Garden-Fresh Herbs: The finishing touch of basil, chives, or parsley adds a pop of color and that vibrant, just-picked aroma every bite deserves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about a short list of kitchen staples coming together to create something truly special. Each ingredient has a starring role—think of them as supporting characters that lend their unique taste, texture, and color to make Linguine with Garlic & Herbs shine.
- Linguine (8 ounces): This flat, silky pasta is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce and keeping each twirl flavorful.
- Salted Butter (2 tablespoons): Butter forms the backbone of the sauce and gently cooks the garlic for rich depth.
- Garlic Cloves (4, finely minced): Nothing beats the sweet, aromatic hit of fresh garlic—it’s what gives the dish its signature warmth.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): A pop of bright citrus wakes up all the flavors and cuts through the richness just enough.
- 2% Milk (1 cup): It lightens up the sauce while keeping it creamy and luscious.
- Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): For pure indulgence and the creamiest finish!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): It melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty goodness in every bite.
- Grated Pecorino (2 tablespoons, optional but recommended): A bit sharper than Parmesan, Pecorino adds another layer of cheesy flavor—I love the extra tang it offers.
- All-purpose Flour (1/2 tablespoon): A small amount helps thicken the sauce to the perfect, glossy consistency.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This all-in-one blend brings just the right mix of earthy, savory herbs.
- Kosher Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the sauce and your pasta water; taste as you go.
- Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste): A few grinds round out the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Chopped Herbs (1/4 cup, basil & chives, or parsley): Stirring in a generous handful at the end gives the dish its vibrant, fresh finish.
- Optional Add-ins: Sliced cherry tomatoes, pan-seared chicken, or sautéed shrimp if you’re feeling extra or want to up the protein.
Variations
One of the joys of Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is just how easy it is to make your own—swap an ingredient, toss in a little something extra, or adjust the sauce to taste. Here are a few of my favorite ways to play with the basic recipe and truly make it yours.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and swap out the milk and cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based alternatives.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in with the garlic for gentle heat, or top with a handful of arugula for peppery bite at the end.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or blistered cherry tomatoes for bursts of color and extra nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Pan-seared chicken or shrimp make it a main-course centerpiece worthy of any dinner party.
How to Make Linguine with Garlic & Herbs
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in the linguine. Stir occasionally as it cooks, testing for that perfect “al dente” bite just a minute or two before the package says it’s done. Before draining, scoop out about a half-cup of that magical pasta water—you’ll use it later for silky sauce. Set the cooked pasta aside in the same pot, tossed with a drizzle of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Start the Creamy Herb Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s just foamy. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, stirring for a quick minute until aromatic but not browned (you want sweet, not bitter). Pour in the milk, heavy cream, Parmesan, Pecorino, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir gently until the cheese melts smoothly—this should only take a couple minutes.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Mix flour with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into your skillet, whisking or stirring constantly as you simmer for 1–2 minutes. Watch the sauce transform into a glossy, rich coating—don’t let it boil hard, just a gentle bubble is perfect.
Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce
Taste the sauce and add an extra pinch of salt if you need it. Pour everything over your warm linguine in the pot. Add the fresh chopped herbs and any extras, like cherry tomatoes or protein additions, and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and silkify the sauce as needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and creaminess.
Pro Tips for Making Linguine with Garlic & Herbs
- Pasta Water Perfection: Always reserve a bit more pasta water than you think you’ll need—it’s liquid gold that helps the sauce hug every strand just right.
- Gentle Garlic Magic: Sauté garlic just until aromatic and no longer raw—overcooking leads to bitterness, so keep a close watch!
- Fresh Herbs Go Last: Stir in the herbs right at the end so they stay crisp and vibrant, never losing their color or fragrance.
- Sauce Consistency Control: Add reserved pasta water gradually as you toss for restaurant-worthy silkiness—no dry noodles allowed!
How to Serve Linguine with Garlic & Herbs
Garnishes
A final shower of extra Parmesan (or Pecorino) is always a must for me, alongside additional fresh basil, chives, or parsley for those bold green flecks. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few turns of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of top-quality olive oil for extra shine and aroma.
Side Dishes
This pasta loves a crisp, fresh salad—think lemony arugula or classic Caesar—as well as warm, crusty bread (for swiping up every last bit of sauce). Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad add bonus color and brightness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, mound the linguine with garlic & herbs high on shallow bowls, twirling with tongs for that cozy trattoria vibe. Garnish with edible flowers, lemon zest curls, or nestle a few gorgeous sautéed shrimp or chicken slices right on top for a restaurant-style main course centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might soak up a bit of the sauce as they sit, so save some pasta water if you can—it makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing
Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. For best results, place cooled pasta in an airtight container (or freezer bag) and freeze for up to one month—just know the pasta may be a bit softer after thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, splashing in some reserved pasta water or a spoonful of cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long at once; short bursts with a stir in between will keep things creamy instead of dry or separated.
FAQs
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What herbs work best in Linguine with Garlic & Herbs?
My top choices are basil and chives for their delicate freshness and color, but parsley is classic and delicious as well. Feel free to mix and match—just be sure to use soft, tender herbs (not woody types like rosemary or thyme), as these will blend seamlessly into the sauce.
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Can I use another type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! Linguine is traditional for this style, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne will all work beautifully. Just cook until al dente and proceed as directed—texture is key for the best experience.
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How can I make Linguine with Garlic & Herbs lighter?
You can use all milk (no cream), or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Swap in olive oil for butter and use a plant-based milk if you wish—just keep in mind the sauce will be slightly less rich but still flavorful and satisfying.
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Is this recipe vegetarian?
The base recipe is fully vegetarian! Just double-check your cheeses: authentic Parmesan and Pecorino sometimes contain animal rennet, so you may want to look for vegetarian-friendly versions if that’s important to you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress with minimal effort, Linguine with Garlic & Herbs never disappoints. It’s got warmth, brightness, and a touch of indulgence in every forkful—I can’t wait for you to make it your own and experience just how much flavor can come from the simplest of ingredients.
Print
Linguine with Garlic & Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious linguine pasta tossed in a creamy garlic and herb sauce, topped with Parmesan and Pecorino cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Zest from 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped herbs (basil and chives, or parsley)
Optional Add-ins:
- sliced cherry tomatoes
- pan-seared chicken
- sauteed shrimp
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Start a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet, heat butter, garlic, and lemon zest. Add milk, cream, cheeses, seasonings, and flour mixture. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta, add herbs and any add-ins. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
