Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered this creamy garlic butter linguine during a family gathering in Italy, where my nonna made it for me. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich flavors captivated me. Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe to bring the taste of Italy to my home kitchen. Each bite reminds me of those beautiful summer evenings spent with family."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, Chef Mitchell has dedicated his career to mastering the art of pasta. His passion for creating authentic dinner recipes has led him to explore various Italian dishes, ensuring each recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine served on a plate

Why This Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine Recipe Works

This creamy garlic butter linguine is a standout recipe due to its simplicity and the robustness of flavors. The combination of butter and garlic provides a rich base, while the heavy cream creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the linguine. Fresh herbs and a touch of lemon juice elevate the dish, making it fresh and aromatic.

The technique of sautéing garlic in butter at the right temperature ensures that the flavors are released without burning, creating a harmonious sauce. The addition of pasta water helps to achieve the perfect consistency, allowing the sauce to adhere well to the pasta, resulting in a comforting and indulgent meal.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh garlic and real butter make a significant difference in flavor. Additionally, be mindful of the heat; sauté the garlic slowly to prevent it from burning, which can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and cook the linguine fresh. This will ensure that the pasta remains al dente and the sauce retains its creamy texture.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream. However, keep in mind that the texture and richness will be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute.

Your creamy garlic butter linguine is done when the pasta is al dente, with a slight bite to it, and the sauce is thickened and coats the pasta evenly. Stirring frequently will help achieve the right consistency and prevent sticking.

Freezing creamy garlic butter linguine is not recommended because the cream can separate upon reheating. If you must freeze it, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta and combining them after reheating for the best results.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. A light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully and enhances the dining experience.

Creamy garlic butter linguine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor. Simply reheat the sauce and combine it with the cooked linguine.

The best way to reheat creamy garlic butter linguine is to do so on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. Stir gently until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your linguine is too dry, it might have absorbed too much sauce.

Solution: To fix this, add a little reserved pasta water or additional cream to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta better.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If you want crispy garlic bits and they're not crispy enough, you may have cooked the garlic at too low a temperature.

Solution: Make sure to sauté the garlic on medium-high heat and keep an eye on it to achieve a golden, crispy texture without burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked linguine can become mushy and unappetizing.

Prevention: To prevent this, always follow package instructions for cooking time and test the pasta a minute before the recommended cooking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the linguine has an undercooked center, it may need more time or a higher boiling temperature.

Recovery: Ensure your water is at a rolling boil before adding pasta and stir occasionally for even cooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the heat was too high while cooking.

Prevention: To avoid this, cook garlic on medium heat and don’t leave it unattended. Stir frequently to prevent it from burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, add more cream or pasta to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is too bland, enhance with more garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine

The essential ingredients for this creamy garlic butter linguine include high-quality linguine, fresh garlic, and real butter. Each component plays a vital role in creating the dish's rich and comforting flavor. Choosing fresh ingredients ensures the best taste and texture.

Using good quality butter and cheese elevates the dish significantly. For the sauce, fresh heavy cream contributes to the smooth texture, while a bit of acidity from lemon juice brightens the overall flavor profile.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Linguine: Choose high-quality linguine for the best results. Look for brands that use durum wheat, as they have a firmer texture and hold sauce better. Cooking it to al dente ensures it has the right bite.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to this recipe. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the robust flavor of fresh cloves. Use a garlic press or finely mince the cloves to release their natural oils.
  • Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the dish's salt level. European-style butter has a higher fat content, making it richer and creamier, ideal for this luxurious pasta dish.
Cooking process for Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for creamy garlic butter linguine is straightforward and quick. Start by boiling the linguine until al dente while preparing the garlic butter sauce in a skillet. It's all about timing—the sauce should be ready just as the pasta finishes.

Achieving the perfect creamy consistency requires careful heat management. Gradually add cream and cheese to the butter and garlic, stirring continuously to incorporate everything smoothly. This method prevents clumping and ensures a well-balanced flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine

The most important technique in this recipe is managing the heat when sautéing the garlic. Cooking it over medium heat allows the garlic to soften and release its flavor without burning. This step is crucial for creating a rich and aromatic sauce.

Creamy Garlic Butter Linguine

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    Full fat
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Finely grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
    For garnish
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    Freshly ground

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb linguine
    Dried
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    Fresh
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
    For garnish
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    Extra virgin
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed

Instructions

  1. Cook the Linguine

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

  3. Add Cream and Cheese

    Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.

  4. Season the Sauce

    Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce, stirring well to combine.

  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

  6. Add Fresh Ingredients

    Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil, mixing gently.

  7. Garnish

    Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and green onions. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

  8. Serve

    Plate the linguine and garnish with lemon zest and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover creamy garlic butter linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve creamy garlic butter linguine with a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or vegetables such as spinach or asparagus. Adjust the seasonings to your preference for a unique twist on this classic dish.