Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan
Creamy pasta tossed with a bright lemon-herb butter sauce and fresh chives, finished with nutty Parmesan for a simple yet sophisticated weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine, butter, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped chives
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained linguine and toss to coat, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped chives and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and toss until cheese melts and coats every strand.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chive and Lemon Butter Pasta with Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my Tuesday night. The chive and lemon combo is divine. 5 stars!
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the lemony taste. Easy to make and so flavorful for a weeknight meal.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my mother-in-law and she was impressed. The parmesan really ties it together.
