![To make cheesy garlic butter linguine, you need a few key items. Here is the list: - 8 oz linguine pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 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 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a big role in the dish. The linguine pasta gives you a great base. You want it to be cooked just right, so it holds the sauce well. Butter and garlic create a rich, savory flavor that makes your mouth water. Cream adds a nice smoothness, while the cheeses provide that cheesy goodness we all love. Parmesan brings a nutty flavor, and mozzarella adds creaminess. If you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes are a fun touch. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. For the full recipe, check out the steps to craft this delightful meal. Boiling the Water and Cooking Time Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of linguine pasta. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Draining and Reserving Pasta Water When the pasta is ready, carefully drain it in a colander. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta later. Melting Butter and Cooking Garlic In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant, not burnt. Keep an eye on it! Adding Cream and Mixing in Cheeses Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir this mixture gently for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Tossing Linguine with Sauce Now, add your drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta gets coated with the sauce. It should look rich and cheesy. Adjusting Consistency with Pasta Water If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up and keep it silky. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To make your cheesy garlic butter linguine pop, try using different garlic types. You can use fresh garlic for a strong taste. For a milder flavor, consider roasted garlic. You could even add garlic powder for a quick fix. Spice lovers can boost the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For cheeses, I recommend mixing Parmesan and mozzarella. This blend gives a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can also try adding a bit of fontina or gouda for extra depth. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. To avoid overcooked pasta, cook your linguine just until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Keep an eye on the clock while cooking. Start checking a minute or two before the package time ends. For a creamy sauce, it’s key to heat your heavy cream gently. If it simmers too long, it may separate. Stir the sauce continuously as you add the cheese. If it gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the perfect consistency. By following these tips, you’ll create a dish that everyone will love. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy the cooking adventure! {{image_2}} Gluten-free Pasta Options You can use gluten-free linguine to make this dish. Many brands offer great options. Look for pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. These choices hold up well and taste great. Dairy-free Alternatives for Cream and Cheese If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese for a creamy texture. Adding Vegetables or Proteins You can boost this dish by adding veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli work well. If you like protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This adds flavor and makes it more filling. Flavor Infusions with Herbs and Spices For extra flavor, think about adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also use spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. These small changes make a big difference. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite version of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine. For the full recipe, check out the recipe card above! To keep your cheesy garlic butter linguine fresh, follow these steps. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, try freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze individual portions. This way, you can easily reheat just what you need. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or cream to help it heat evenly. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. If you do, cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. How long does cheesy garlic butter linguine last in the fridge? It can stay good for about three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Always check for freshness before eating. Look for signs of spoilage. If the pasta smells off or has a strange color, it’s best to throw it away. Mold is also a clear sign that the dish is no longer safe to eat. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them together. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine? This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the flavors nicely. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegan. Use vegan butter and cream instead of dairy. For cheese, try a plant-based cheese blend. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! You now have all the tools to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine. We've covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to boost flavor. You learned about variations and how to store your dish properly. In closing, this recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make it your own. Enjoy creating your cheesy garlic delight!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fa75bb33-e796-462a-aa50-c999fbf9b0e8-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine! This simple and delicious recipe combines linguine pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, heavy cream, and two types of cheese for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish can be ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a comforting pasta night!