Name: Garlic & Herb Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Linguine Pasta: 12 oz Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced): 4 Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme): 1 teaspoon Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup Salt and Black Pepper: to taste Fresh Parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: juice of 1/2 lemon

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If you’re searching for a quick yet restaurant-worthy dinner, look no further than Garlic & Herb Linguine. This classic Italian-inspired dish features silky pasta tossed in fragrant olive oil, loads of sautéed garlic, and a vibrant mix of herbs that coat every strand. Finished with Parmesan and a touch of lemon, it hits all the best flavor notes: savory, tangy, and just a hint of heat. The simplicity of this meal truly lets each ingredient shine, making Garlic & Herb Linguine a perfect go-to for busy weeknights, cozy dinners in, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic & Herb Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Garlic & Herb Linguine is that it comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh additions. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding its own unique dimension to the dish—making it simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Linguine pasta: The long, flat shape is perfect for capturing all that herby, garlicky goodness in every bite.
Olive oil: High-quality olive oil creates a rich base and infuses the pasta with luscious, Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic cloves (thinly sliced): Sliced garlic releases a more nuanced, mellow flavor that perfumes the entire dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick that brightens up the herbs and lifts the sauce.
Dried Italian herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme creates that classic Italian backdrop you’ll crave.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, creaminess, and a savory depth to the finished pasta.
Salt and black pepper: Bring out the flavors and help balance the richness of the cheese and oil.
Chopped fresh parsley: Provides a pop of color and a fresh, grassy note right at the end.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon awakens the flavors and cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Make Garlic & Herb Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the linguine. Cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally until the pasta is just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help bring everything together later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Herbs

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic, stirring gently for one to two minutes until it turns fragrant and just golden—be careful not to let it brown too much. Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and dried Italian herbs, and let them toast for about 30 seconds to release their aromatics.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained linguine straight into the skillet. Pour in a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up. With tongs, toss the noodles until they’re evenly coated in garlicky oil and herbs. Stir in the grated Parmesan, a good squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything until glossy and combined.

Step 4: Finish and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and shower your Garlic & Herb Linguine with fresh parsley. Give it a final toss, taste for seasoning, and serve it up right away while it’s hot and aromatic. There’s something magical about diving in while the flavors are at their freshest!

How to Serve Garlic & Herb Linguine

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make your Garlic & Herb Linguine memorable. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over the top, scatter more fresh parsley, and add a few grinds of black pepper just before serving. If you like a citrusy pop, serve with lemon wedges so everyone can squeeze a bit more over their plates—this brightens the entire dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with almost anything. A crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic or a basket of garlic bread is classic, but you could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. For more protein, grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes make delicious and easy accompaniments—each one brings something special to the table with Garlic & Herb Linguine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, twirl the linguine into neat nests using a carving fork and arrange them on big platters. Try topping each nest with grilled chicken, lemon-zested ricotta, or roasted tomatoes for a stunning, colorful spread. Mini serving bowls also work wonders if you’re offering Garlic & Herb Linguine as part of a tapas or appetizer board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic & Herb Linguine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Give the pasta a gentle toss before storing to evenly coat it in the garlicky oil, which helps prevent sticking and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooled portions for up to a month. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and press out as much air as possible. The texture may soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

To reheat Garlic & Herb Linguine, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the noodles. Stir over low heat until warmed through, adding more cheese or parsley to refresh the dish. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine is traditional for Garlic & Herb Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta all work nicely. Just keep the sauce-to-pasta ratio similar so every strand gets its fair share of garlicky, herby flavor.

What’s the best way to avoid burning the garlic?

Keep your skillet at medium heat and stir the garlic constantly. Slice it instead of mincing—it takes a bit longer to brown, giving you more control over that perfect golden color without bitterness.

Can I make this dish vegan?

It’s easy! Simply swap out the Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. All the other ingredients in Garlic & Herb Linguine are naturally plant-based, so this is a breeze for vegan nights.

How can I add protein?

Try stirring in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms at the end for an instant boost of protein. White beans or chickpeas also blend beautifully into the mix for a plant-based twist.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are completely optional, so you can leave them out for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat—the choice is yours with Garlic & Herb Linguine.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, Garlic & Herb Linguine is such a rewarding recipe to create and share. Every forkful is packed with fresh flavor, and it’s one of those crowd-pleasers you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight pasta.

Garlic & Herb Linguine Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic & Herb Linguine recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Linguine Pasta:

12 oz

Olive Oil:

3 tablespoons

Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced):

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Dried Italian Herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme):

1 teaspoon

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

Fresh Parsley (chopped):

2 tablespoons

Lemon Juice:

juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Cook Linguine: Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes and herbs.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked linguine and some pasta water to the skillet. Toss, then mix in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve.