Description
This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines tender spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan sauce with warm, crispy garlic butter bread. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delicious blend of Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spaghetti
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf Italian bread, about 24 inches long
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water to season the pasta.
- Cook the spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain the pasta: Pour the cooked spaghetti into a colander to drain the water completely.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Toss spaghetti with garlic oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add herbs and cheese: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form the garlic butter spread.
- Slice the bread: Carefully cut the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves to create a flat surface for spreading.
- Spread garlic butter: Generously apply the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Bake garlic bread: Place the garlic bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the garlic bread for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and slice bread: Remove from oven and allow the garlic bread to cool slightly. Slice into individual pieces for serving.
- Plate the spaghetti: Divide the spaghetti onto individual plates for serving.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle each plate with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately alongside the warm garlic bread.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water is key for creating a creamy spaghetti sauce; add it gradually to avoid a watery sauce.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Garlic powder in the butter mix intensifies the garlic flavor, but it’s optional depending on taste preferences.
- Broiling the garlic bread is optional but recommended for an extra crispy crust; watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color enhancement.
- Store any leftover garlic bread wrapped in foil at room temperature and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Keywords: spaghetti, garlic bread, Italian recipe, easy dinner, pasta, garlic butter bread, comfort food