If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting and vibrant, Garlic & Herb Linguine is an absolute must-try. Imagine twirls of perfectly tender linguine, glistening with silky olive oil, fragrant garlic, and a garden’s worth of fresh herbs—all tied together with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a bright kiss of lemon. It’s a pasta that feels both classic and new, totally satisfying yet light enough to leave you wanting just one more forkful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping side for your next gathering, this Garlic & Herb Linguine brings restaurant-worthy flavor right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so memorable. Each one plays its part—whether it’s the deep warmth of garlic, the lively pop of fresh herbs, or the irresistible richness of Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic & Herb Linguine shine:
- Linguine pasta (12 ounces): Choose classic or whole wheat for extra flavor and texture, or go gluten-free if needed.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): The backbone of the sauce, delivering a luxuriously smooth coating and subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Sliced instead of minced for mellow, golden toasty notes without bitterness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs to infuse every bite with classic Mediterranean aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat—use more or less to suit your taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both pasta and sauce, enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle bite that balances the richness of the oil and cheese.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings freshness and a burst of color to the finished dish.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds sweet, peppery notes that pair perfectly with garlic and Parmesan.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts all the flavors with brightness and a hint of tang.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): Melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, savory finish.
How to Make Garlic & Herb Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is your first shot at flavor! Add the linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means tender but with a little bite at the center. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the noodles; it’s liquid gold for making your sauce creamy and luscious later on. Set the cooked linguine aside while you get the skillet ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and let it sizzle, stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to turn fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown—it can go from golden to bitter quickly, so keep a close eye! This step is where the backbone of the Garlic & Herb Linguine flavor comes to life.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a hint of heat), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 30 seconds. This quick bloom in the oil releases the full aroma of the herbs and spices, setting the stage for a beautifully seasoned pasta.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add your drained linguine directly to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and coat every strand in that aromatic oil and spice blend. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. This step ensures that every bite of Garlic & Herb Linguine is infused with flavor.
Step 5: Add Herbs, Lemon, and Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan right over the top, and give everything a final toss. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a light, creamy coating that brings all the flavors together. Serve immediately while it’s warm and fragrant.
How to Serve Garlic & Herb Linguine
Garnishes
Elevate your Garlic & Herb Linguine with a shower of extra grated Parmesan, a flurry of fresh parsley or basil, and a squeeze of lemon. For a little texture and color, try a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. These finishing touches make every plate look (and taste) like a masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This pasta is versatile enough to star as a main or side. Pair it with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded vegetarian meal. If you’re looking to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a perfect partner for Garlic & Herb Linguine, soaking up all those herby, garlicky juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, twirl portions into neat nests using tongs and arrange them on individual plates. Serve in a big, rustic bowl for family-style dining, or add a few edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant dinner party look. You can even serve Garlic & Herb Linguine in small cups or on appetizer spoons for a fun, bite-sized starter at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic & Herb Linguine cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While fresh herbs and cheese can lose some vibrancy in the freezer, you can freeze portions of Garlic & Herb Linguine if needed. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs and Parmesan after reheating to refresh the flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a little water or broth into the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, tossing frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Add extra Parmesan or herbs just before serving to revive that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Side Dish
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep in mind that thinner noodles cook more quickly, so adjust your timing accordingly.
Is Garlic & Herb Linguine suitable for vegans?
With a simple swap—use a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast in place of the cheese—this dish becomes fully vegan. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and delicious.
What proteins pair well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even pan-seared tofu are all wonderful alongside Garlic & Herb Linguine. Each soaks up the herby, garlicky sauce and adds satisfying substance to your meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. Everything else remains the same for a flavorful gluten-free meal.
How can I add more vegetables to Garlic & Herb Linguine?
Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or zucchini ribbons for extra color and nutrition. Add them to the skillet just before the pasta for a seamless, veggie-packed twist.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a handful of humble ingredients can create something as irresistible as Garlic & Herb Linguine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this pasta is pure joy to make and even better to share. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight staple!
Print
Garlic & Herb Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic & Herb Linguine is a simple and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring linguine tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a quick main course or side, this recipe combines olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, and cheese for a vibrant, comforting meal.
Ingredients
pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
sauce and seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
fresh herbs and finishing
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 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 instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat with the garlic and seasoning mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese has slightly melted.
- Serve: Plate the linguine warm and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy on its own or paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- This dish is enjoyable as a standalone vegetarian main or as a side dish.
- For variations, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for extra protein and texture.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free linguine can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it becomes bitter and affects the flavor negatively.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact, but dried herbs can substitute if fresh are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
