Description
This Easy Lemon Butter Linguine is a bright and creamy pasta recipe made with garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a quick weeknight dinner that feels elegant and fresh. Perfect for anyone craving a simple yet flavorful lemon pasta dish.
Ingredients
8 oz linguine
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Let cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.
4. Add the cooked linguine back into the pot along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
5. Stir in the grated parmesan until melted and creamy. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the garlic — keep it golden, not browned.
If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg