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
Scale
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.
