Linguine with Garlic & Herbs Recipe

Bursting with silky, aromatic flavor, this Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels effortlessly elegant. If you crave rich garlic, lemony brightness, and a cloud of fresh herbs, this simple yet impressive pasta will speak to your soul!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is its short, purposeful ingredient list. Each is chosen for how it enhances the flavor, creaminess, and color of the pasta. Let’s walk through the lineup to see why every element matters.

• 8 ounces linguine: This long, flat pasta perfectly cradles the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
• 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps toast the garlic, building a buttery base for the sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced: The star! Use fresh for unbeatable, fragrant flavor throughout the dish.
• Zest from 1 lemon: Just a touch lifts and brightens the whole dish with aromatic citrus notes.
• 1 cup 2% milk: Forms the backbone of the sauce, keeping things light but still luxurious.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds luscious, velvety body—don’t skip unless you must!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, classic umami flavor.
• 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino (optional): Extra tang and salt—recommended if you have it on hand.
• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: An easy thickener, ensuring your sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in a harmonious medley of earthy, herbal notes.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings the flavors together.
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste: Adds soft heat and balances the richness.
• 1/4 cup chopped herbs (basil and chives or parsley): These finish the pasta with bright, green color and garden-fresh flavor.
• Optional add-ins: Sliced cherry tomatoes, pan-seared chicken, or sautéed shrimp can turn this side into a hearty meal.

Variations

One of the joys of Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is how easy it is to adjust for your cravings, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand. Here are a few delicious ways to make it yours.

• Add Protein: Toss in pan-seared chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even tofu for a satisfying, protein-packed main course.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Mix in steamed asparagus, baby spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes right at the end for extra color and nutrition.
• Lactose-Free Option: Use lactose-free milk and swap the cream for a dairy-free alternative. Oat milk or unsweetened cashew cream work surprisingly well!
• Make it Extra Zesty: If you love citrus, add a splash of lemon juice right before serving for more tangy freshness.

How to Make Linguine with Garlic & Herbs

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook just until al dente—it should be tender but with a pleasant bite. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can help loosen and enrich your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Lemon Zest

In a wide skillet or sauté pan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, stirring continuously for about 45 seconds. The aroma will hit you right away! Be sure not to brown the garlic—it should just turn fragrant and golden, not bitter.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the milk and heavy cream, then immediately add the Parmesan, Pecorino (if using), Italian seasoning, and salt. Let everything gently simmer, stirring frequently, just until the cheeses melt into a smooth, cohesive sauce—about 2 minutes is usually perfect.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Quickly stir the flour with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then pour it into your sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce lightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, just splash in some reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Herbs

Taste the sauce and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Pour it over the drained linguine (in the pot works best) and toss immediately with the chopped fresh herbs. Add any optional extras—like chicken, shrimp, or tomatoes—at this stage. Serve right away for the creamiest experience!

How to Serve Linguine with Garlic & Herbs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra herbs, a dusting of fresh Parmesan, or even a light grate of lemon zest give Linguine with Garlic & Herbs that final, restaurant-worthy flourish. For a pop of color, a few halved cherry tomatoes on top look (and taste) gorgeous!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or crisp, garlicky roasted asparagus. You can round out your table with buttery garlic bread or toasty ciabatta slices to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can twirl the pasta into neat bundles for individual plates, or serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl for that celebratory, Italian trattoria feel. Garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side—everyone will feel as special as your dinner does.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of your Linguine with Garlic & Herbs left (lucky you!), store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep a little of the reserved pasta water handy if possible.

Freezing

Because of the creamy sauce, this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch. Transfer cooled linguine to a freezer bag and squeeze out excess air; freeze for up to one month. Be aware the texture might be a bit softer after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to help the sauce get creamy again. Microwave reheating works, too—just stir halfway and avoid overheating to prevent separation.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Twirling up a warm bowl of Linguine with Garlic & Herbs is my go-to way to bring a little sunshine—and a lot of happiness—to the dinner table. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a forever favorite for both effortless weeknights and “wow” moments with your favorite people!

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