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When you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that feels light and vibrant, Easy Lemon Butter Linguine is your answer. This recipe is pure simplicity elevated with just a few thoughtful ingredients. The lemon brings brightness, the butter adds richness, and the garlic pulls it all together. It’s the kind of meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you need a weeknight dinner idea or something elegant to serve guests, this dish fits the bill. It’s endlessly customizable and pairs beautifully with proteins or veggies if you’re in the mood to add more. But even in its basic form, this lemon butter linguine delivers creamy, tangy perfection with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights. You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make something that feels restaurant-worthy. The balance of butter and lemon is silky and refreshing, while the parmesan adds a savory edge that rounds it all out.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder when it comes to boiling the pasta and building the sauce in the same pan. Clean-up is a breeze, and the flavor payoff is huge.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Linguine is a perfect match because it holds onto the buttery sauce with just the right texture. But if you don’t have linguine on hand, fettuccine or spaghetti work well too. The key is using a long noodle that can glide through the sauce and soak up all that citrusy flavor.

Ingredients for the Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

This recipe doesn’t require a long shopping list, which is part of its charm. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor.

Linguine is the foundation of this dish. It cooks quickly and provides a wide enough surface to hold the buttery lemon sauce.

Unsalted butter adds the luxurious richness that makes the sauce silky smooth. Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.

Fresh garlic gives that signature aromatic base that deepens the flavor without overpowering.

Lemon juice and zest provide brightness and acidity that cut through the richness of the butter.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce and adds a nutty, salty depth.

Salt and black pepper round out the flavors and ensure every bite is well-seasoned.

Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes everything cling to the noodles just right.

How To Make the Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until just al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Add Lemon

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, letting the citrus bloom for 30 seconds. It should smell incredible.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta back into the pot along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat. Add parmesan and stir until everything is creamy and combined. Adjust with more pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finish with salt, black pepper, and extra parmesan on top. Serve hot with a sprinkle of lemon zest for garnish.

How to Serve and Store Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

This recipe feeds about 4 people as a main or 6 as a side. Serve it hot and fresh for the best texture, ideally right after tossing it with the sauce. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Easy Lemon Butter Linguine?

Grilled Shrimp

The citrus notes in the linguine make it a natural pairing with garlicky grilled shrimp.

Roasted Broccoli

A simple veggie side that adds crunch and color, and roasts quickly while the pasta cooks.

Chicken Cutlets

Pan-fried or baked, these add protein and turn the pasta into a more filling dinner.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony sauce beautifully.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons bring a satisfying contrast.

Garlic Bread

More carbs, yes, but absolutely worth it for soaking up every drop of that buttery sauce.

Sautéed Spinach

Fast, healthy, and just a touch bitter to balance the richness of the pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into comforting bowls of pasta, here are some dishes you should definitely try next:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy, hearty meal.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s easy and loaded with flavor.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a twist on a classic sandwich.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you love a rich, meaty sauce.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky flavor and easy cleanup.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra lemony? Add a protein? I love seeing your spins on these recipes.

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