Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines tender, garlicky pasta with warm, crispy garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.
2. Step 2: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes), or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
3. Step 3: Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
4. Step 4: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss again. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
8. Step 8: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, creating two long halves.
9. Step 9: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves.
10. Step 10: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Step 11: Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
12. Step 12: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispy garlic bread. Watch carefully.
13. Step 13: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.
14. Step 14: Divide the spaghetti among individual plates.
15. Step 15: Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley, if desired.
16. Step 16: Serve the spaghetti immediately with the warm, garlicky bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer garlic bread, add a little shredded mozzarella before baking.
• Use gluten-free pasta and bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
• Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor more than pre-grated varieties.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the spaghetti for a bright, fresh note.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Reheat the garlic bread in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can spread the garlic butter on the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of Italian bread?

A baguette, French bread, or any crusty loaf works well as a substitute for Italian bread in this recipe.

Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic, parsley, and Parmesan sauce with the irresistible aroma and taste of warm, buttery garlic bread. Ideal as a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner, this dish balances hearty pasta with crispy, cheesy garlic bread for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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

1. 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 season the water for the spaghetti.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
3. Drain the Spaghetti: Pour the cooked spaghetti into a colander to drain off all the water.
4. Sauté Garlic: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
5. Toss Spaghetti with Garlic Oil: Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. Gradually add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches the desired creamy consistency.
6. Finish Pasta Sauce: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss until the cheese melts and coat the spaghetti well with the sauce.
7. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and optional garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and combine well.
8. Slice Bread: Take the Italian bread loaf and slice it lengthwise into two long halves.
9. Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves.
10. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
11. Bake Garlic Bread: Place the bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the garlic butter has melted and become bubbly.
12. Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy top, broil the garlic bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
13. Cool Garlic Bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into individual pieces.
14. Plate the Spaghetti: Divide the creamy garlic parmesan spaghetti among individual serving plates.
15. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley on top of the spaghetti if desired. Serve immediately alongside the warm, crispy garlic bread.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• Red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Use fresh garlic and parsley for optimal flavor.
• Watch the garlic closely while sautéing to avoid burning, which makes it bitter.
• Broiling the garlic bread at the end boosts crispiness but requires close attention to prevent burning.
• Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in a toaster oven to retain crispiness.
• Substitute Italian bread with French baguette or ciabatta if preferred.

Keywords: spaghetti garlic bread, easy pasta recipe, garlic bread, Italian dinner, quick weeknight meal, Parmesan spaghetti, garlic butter bread