Description
This Garlic & Herb Linguine recipe is a vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta dish perfect for brightening up dinner time. Combining al dente linguine with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a fresh, zesty meal that is easy to prepare on the stovetop. Ideal for vegetarians and quick weeknight dinners, this dish can be customized with additional proteins or gluten-free pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. This adds brightness and seasoning to the dish.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the garlic lemon oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency, ensuring a silky sauce.
- Incorporate Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the fresh parsley, basil, thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until all ingredients are evenly distributed, enriching the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the linguine warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the brightness of the dish.
Notes
- Add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for extra protein or variety.
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
