Description
A rich and creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta that combines tender linguine with a luscious garlic butter sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta (or your favorite pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside for later use.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water helps thin out the sauce and helps it cling better to pasta.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.
