Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, zesty, and incredibly simple to make, this Easy Lemon Butter Linguine is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but comes together in under 20 minutes. Each strand of pasta is coated in a buttery lemon sauce with just enough Parmesan to make it velvety and rich without feeling heavy.

Perfect for spring and summer meals, this dish brings brightness to your table with minimal effort. Whether you serve it on its own or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp, it always finds a way to shine. Let’s talk about what makes this lemony linguine so special.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Linguine is our go-to for this recipe because its flat, slender shape allows the light lemon butter sauce to cling to every bite. However, fettuccine or spaghetti can also work well. Just avoid smaller shapes like penne or shells, which don’t hold the sauce as gracefully.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

Linguine: This long pasta provides the ideal texture and surface area for the sauce to coat evenly.

Unsalted Butter: The base of the sauce—rich and creamy without overpowering the lemon.

Lemon Zest & Juice: The hero of the dish. Zest brings aromatic oils while juice gives the dish its signature tang.

Garlic: Adds a mellow depth to balance the brightness of the lemon.

Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, umami kick and helps thicken the sauce into a silky consistency.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds color and freshness at the end.

---

How To Make the Easy Lemon Butter Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Step 3: Add Lemon Zest & Juice

Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for a minute to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Toss in the Pasta

Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet. Toss with the lemon butter mixture, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and continue tossing until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of green. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

How to Serve and Store Lemon Butter Linguine

Serve this pasta hot and fresh, ideally garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bold presentation. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh arugula salad.

To store leftovers, place the cooled linguine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra butter to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity slightly since it’s more concentrated.

What protein can I add to this pasta?

Grilled shrimp, chicken, or even flaked salmon are excellent choices for turning this into a more filling meal.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! As long as your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly, this recipe contains no meat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based butter and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I prep this in advance?

You can zest and juice the lemons, chop the garlic, and measure out the cheese ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh for best results.

What if I don’t have linguine?

You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine, which will still hold the sauce beautifully.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this bright and buttery lemon pasta, you might want to check out these other pasta recipes that bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty twist.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving bold and creamy.
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a satisfying beef option.
• Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy Bold Pasta Delight if you want bold with a hint of sweetness.
• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a simple, one-pan solution.

And for even more recipes like this, follow along on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with grilled shrimp or roasted veggies? Did you add extra lemon zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: