Garlic Butter Linguine Delight

# List of Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz linguine

→ Sauce

02 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter

03 - 6 large garlic cloves, finely minced

04 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

05 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt

07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

08 - 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

09 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

10 - Extra lemon wedges, to serve

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Stir in red pepper flakes and lemon zest, if using.

03 - Add drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter. Gradually add reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta.

04 - Season with sea salt and black pepper. Stir in chopped parsley and half of the Parmesan cheese if using. Toss well to combine.

05 - Serve immediately garnished with remaining Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

It comes together in under twenty minutes, which means weeknight dinners stop feeling like a chore.
The simplicity lets you taste each ingredient, especially that nutty, garlicky butter that coats every strand.
You can make it bare bones or dress it up with whatever you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious.

02 -

Save your pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is what transforms plain butter into a sauce that actually coats the noodles instead of sliding to the bottom of the bowl.
Medium heat is your friend when cooking garlic; burn it once and the whole dish tastes bitter, so watch it and don't walk away.

03 -