Description
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine is a luscious Italian-American pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce blended with heavy cream and a melty combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any occasion that highlights smooth, velvety textures and bold cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, being careful to avoid burning the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses continuously until they melt completely and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the cheesy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy linguine while warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra richness and depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine before stirring in the cream.
- Enhance the meal by mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier variation.
- Be careful when sautéing garlic to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency perfectly when tossing the pasta.
