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A close-up shot of creamy lemon pasta being twirled on a fork, showing the silky texture of the garlic butter sauce.

Lemon Butter Linguine: A Zesty 20-Minute Pasta Dish

This vibrant Lemon Butter Linguine is the perfect weeknight dinner! A simple, elegant pasta dish featuring a silky lemon butter sauce with garlic and Parmesan, all ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. A guaranteed family favorite!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Linguine
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter cubed
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine like Pinot Grigio, or substitute with chicken/vegetable broth
  • 1 large Lemon zested and juiced
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Important: Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn't burn.
  3. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until it has reduced slightly.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add the lemon zest and juice. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
  5. Add the grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the linguine. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Pasta Water is Key: Don't forget to reserve the pasta water! Its starch content is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that won't break.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice and grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Customize It: Feel free to add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or steamed asparagus for a heartier meal.