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To make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine, you need a few key items: - 12 oz linguine pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy dish. The butter and garlic form the base. The cheeses give it that rich, gooey texture we love. You can add a few extra items if you want more taste: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh note) These ingredients can elevate the dish. Red pepper flakes add heat, while lemon zest brightens it up. Fresh parsley gives a nice color and taste. Having the right tools makes cooking easier: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for the sauce - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy These tools help you create the dish smoothly. A good skillet ensures even cooking, while a pot is essential for pasta. With these items, you’ll be ready to whip up this tasty meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 12 oz of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the linguine and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter bubbles, add 6 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to your dish. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to thicken a bit. After that, lower the heat and add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. This is where the magic happens! Now it's time to combine everything. Add the drained linguine to the cheese sauce. Toss it well to coat all the pasta evenly. If you find the sauce too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture. Season your dish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Finish by adding lemon zest and fresh parsley for a bright touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your delicious meal! To cook pasta right, use plenty of water. Start with a big pot filled with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding your linguine. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Stir the pasta for the first minute to separate strands. Cook until al dente, which means firm but not hard. Always check the package for the right cooking time. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for later! A watery sauce is a common issue. To prevent this, make sure to cook your sauce long enough. The heavy cream should simmer until it thickens. If your sauce seems too thin, add some reserved pasta water slowly. This helps to adjust the sauce without making it watery. Also, remember to add cheese gradually. Cheese helps thicken the sauce, adding a rich texture. Flavor is key in any dish. Start with quality ingredients like fresh garlic and real butter. Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best taste. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes if you like heat. They add a nice kick! Also, lemon zest brightens up the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings color and flavor. These small details make a big difference in your Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine. Check out the Full Recipe to get started on this tasty dish! {{image_2}} You can make this dish without meat. Swap the butter for olive oil for a vegan touch. Use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic. They add great flavor and color. Want more protein? Cook chicken or shrimp separately. Add them to the skillet after you mix in the cheese. For chicken, season it well with salt and pepper. For shrimp, just cook until pink. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. Don't limit yourself to just Parmesan and mozzarella. Try adding cheddar for a sharper taste. Feta can give a salty kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. Mix different cheeses for a unique flavor. Experiment and find your favorite blend! You can find the full recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine above. To store leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it separate from other foods helps maintain its flavor. If you want to freeze your Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine, first let it cool. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream while warming. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently and heat until warm. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to prevent drying out. The best pasta for Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine is linguine. Its flat shape holds the sauce well. You can also use fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to give it a cheesy flavor. For mozzarella, try a dairy-free cheese that melts well. To make your Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables also pairs well. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great addition. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of white wine is perfect too. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Cheesy garlic butter linguine is a simple yet tasty dish. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and how to make it your own. I shared tips to avoid a watery sauce and suggested storage methods. You now have options for every taste, from vegetarian to protein-packed. With this guide, you can create a dish that's full of flavor and easy to enjoy. So, grab your tools and start cooking! This meal is sure to impress!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine! This delightful pasta dish is bursting with savory garlic, melted cheese, and a hint of freshness from lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it’s simple to make and ready in just 25 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz linguine pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Incorporate the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream to the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

        Add Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

            Season and Garnish: Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Sprinkle lemon zest and chopped parsley over the top for a fresh flavor boost.

              Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and parsley if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4