Lemon Butter Linguine with Garlic and Herbs

Lemon Butter Linguine with Garlic and Herbs is a light, elegant, and incredibly flavorful pasta dish that embodies everything wonderful about simple Italian cooking. Each strand of linguine is coated in a luscious lemon-butter sauce infused with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs — the kind of sauce that feels rich yet refreshingly bright.

This dish strikes a perfect harmony between creamy and citrusy. The butter adds smooth silkiness, the lemon brings a pop of freshness, and the herbs tie everything together.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Lemon Butter Linguine because it’s simple yet luxurious. The sauce uses only a handful of ingredients — butter, lemon, garlic, and herbs — but together they create an unforgettable flavor that’s both comforting and bright.

I love how it’s versatile — you can enjoy it as is or add shrimp, grilled chicken, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Fresh, bright flavor – Lemon adds the perfect tang to balance the richness of butter.
• Elegant simplicity – Made with pantry staples but tastes like fine dining.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 25 minutes!
• Customizable – Pairs well with seafood, chicken, or veggies.
• Light yet satisfying – Comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 420 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner / Light Lunch

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for creamy texture)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Herbs:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley or basil

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
2. Prepare lemon butter sauce with butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Add pasta and toss with sauce, herbs, and a splash of pasta water.
4. Finish with Parmesan and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well to combine.
4. Lower the heat slightly and add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked linguine directly into the pan with the lemon butter sauce.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding more pasta water as needed for a glossy texture.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (optional).
4. Toss again until the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Finish

1. Sprinkle chopped parsley and basil over the pasta.
2. Toss gently to mix the herbs evenly throughout the dish.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lemon juice or salt as desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, a few fresh herb leaves, and lemon wedges.
2. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Lemon Butter Linguine with Garlic and Herbs hot and fresh. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish with:

• Grilled shrimp or scallops
• Roasted chicken or salmon
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp garden or arugula salad
• A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

It’s ideal for both casual dinners and elegant occasions.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemons only – bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
• Don’t overcook garlic – it should be fragrant, not browned or bitter.
• Reserve pasta water – it’s the secret to a creamy, emulsified sauce.
• Add Parmesan gradually – prevents clumping and keeps sauce smooth.
• Serve immediately – the butter sauce is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Lemon Linguine: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer version.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Vegan Lemon Linguine: Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil and skip Parmesan.
• Spicy Lemon Pasta: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Green Version: Toss in spinach, arugula, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the butter-lemon sauce doesn’t freeze well and may separate.
• Make-ahead tip: You can cook the pasta and prep the sauce separately; combine just before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Microplane or grater (for lemon zest and Parmesan)
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?
Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta all work well with this sauce.

Q2: What herbs go best with lemon butter sauce?
Parsley, basil, thyme, or dill pair beautifully with the lemon flavor.

Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, asparagus, peas, or zucchini complement the lemony sauce perfectly.

Q4: How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute.

Q5: What can I serve it with for a complete meal?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or a fresh salad and crusty bread.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Linguine with Garlic and Herbs is the epitome of effortless elegance — simple ingredients, quick preparation, and extraordinary flavor. The harmony of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and silky butter creates a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date night, this pasta proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen — a timeless dish that never fails to impress.