If you love the irresistible flavors of garlic bread and crave pasta, then you are in for a real treat with this Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe. It combines the crispy, buttery, and garlicky bliss of classic garlic bread with tender pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish is not only quick and straightforward to prepare but also bursts with flavor and texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgences. Once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-to comfort foods that is both satisfying and delightfully unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be few and simple, but each plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to create this mouthwatering pasta dish. From the fragrant garlic and golden breadcrumbs to the creamy Parmesan and fresh parsley, everything complements each other perfectly.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to hold the sauce and breadcrumbs beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that luscious sauce and toasted breadcrumb topping.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances flavor while sautéing garlic and gives a lovely silky texture.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient delivering that pungent, aromatic punch.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle zing for a little extra warmth.
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Provides crispy contrast reminiscent of classic garlic bread.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty, and creamy notes to the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, vibrant finish and lovely green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s key to making your sauce creamy and smooth without needing extra cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Breadcrumbs
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter together with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for just about one minute until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. Add the seasoned breadcrumbs and continue to cook them, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and beautifully toasted. Set aside half of this mixture to sprinkle on top later for an irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the remaining garlic breadcrumb mixture. Toss everything gently so every strand is coated in the fragrant garlic-infused oil. Then stir in the leftover butter, Parmesan cheese, and just enough reserved pasta water to create a light, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground pepper to balance the flavors.
Step 4: Serve with the Crispy Topping
Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle the reserved garlic breadcrumbs over each serving along with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe shine even more, consider adding some grated extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top. A few grinds of black pepper and a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or even basil can enhance the aroma and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the dish. Grilled or roasted vegetables add a hearty touch, and if you want some protein, grilled chicken or seared shrimp complement the flavors wonderfully without overpowering the elegant simplicity of the garlic bread pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in small individual bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers. You can also create a pasta bake by layering the cooked dish in a casserole with extra cheese and baking until bubbly and golden on top. Another idea is to serve the dish with rustic slices of garlic bread on the side for those who want double the garlic bread experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much of its flavor or texture, though the breadcrumb topping is best added fresh when reheating.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, keep in mind the breadcrumbs may lose their crunch, and the sauce can become a bit watery upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta without the breadcrumb topping, and add fresh toasted breadcrumbs after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy sauce texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this helps preserve the sauce’s consistency and flavor. Then sprinkle fresh toasted breadcrumbs and parsley before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are traditional and work beautifully, feel free to try penne, fusilli, or any pasta that can hold sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe is completely vegetarian. It uses butter and Parmesan, so do check if your Parmesan is made without animal rennet if you want strictly vegetarian ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The garlic breadcrumbs will remain delightful!
What if I don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can make your own by toasting plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of garlic powder, dried herbs like oregano or thyme, salt, and pepper for a similar flavorful effect.
How spicy is this Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat, but they are completely optional. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe is a delightful marriage of two favorite comfort foods that comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe to brighten up any dinner with its garlicky aroma, rich textures, and satisfying crunch. I encourage you to try it soon—you may find yourself craving this simple, flavorful dish over and over again!
Print
Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish that combines the taste of garlic bread with pasta. This Garlic Bread Pasta features tender spaghetti tossed in a garlic-infused buttery olive oil sauce, topped with crispy toasted breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a delightful crunch and herbal finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
For the Sauce and Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Garlic Breadcrumbs: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Stir in the seasoned breadcrumbs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the breadcrumb mixture and set aside for topping.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with remaining garlic breadcrumb mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic oil.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen and create a light, creamy sauce that coats the pasta well.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Transfer pasta to serving plates or bowls, and top each with the reserved toasted garlic breadcrumbs and chopped fresh parsley for an herbaceous, crunchy finish.
Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
- Adding chopped roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic provides a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or grilled proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
