Garlic Butter Linguine Delight

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, for serving

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.

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

03 - Add drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the garlic butter. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.

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

05 - Plate immediately and garnish with remaining Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -

It's proof that the simplest ingredients can create something restaurant-worthy without fuss.
The whole thing comes together in under twenty minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner, not a project.
There's something deeply satisfying about a dish where you can taste every ingredient clearly.

02 -

Don't let the garlic brown or it turns bitter and ruins everything—medium heat and constant attention are your friends here.
That reserved pasta water is not optional; it's what transforms this from a dry, oily dish into something creamy and elegant.

03 -