Spaghetti with Garlicky Parmesan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Garlic Bread combines two beloved classics into one comforting meal. This easy recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic-parsley sauce alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight or casual get-together.

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)

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 flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil in the spaghetti sauce.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pasta right before serving for brightness.
• Substitute Italian bread with a crusty baguette if preferred.
• To make it vegan, replace butter with plant-based margarine and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

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 olive oil to restore creaminess. Warm the garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crispen.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the garlic bread and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley works in a pinch, but use about one-third of the fresh amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh basil or oregano can add a different but pleasant flavor.

Spaghetti with Garlicky Parmesan Bread Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic and olive oil sauce with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, paired with warm, crispy Italian garlic bread. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Boil Water and Salt: 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.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain Spaghetti: Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
4. Make Garlic Oil: While the spaghetti is cooking, 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, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Toss Spaghetti in Garlic Oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. Continue adding pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
6. 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 has melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. 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 create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
8. Slice Bread: Cut the Italian bread loaf lengthwise into two long halves.
9. Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves to ensure rich flavor.
10. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) preparing for baking the garlic bread.
11. Bake Garlic Bread: Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
12. Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy top, broil the garlic bread for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
13. Cool and Slice Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then slice into individual pieces suitable for serving.
14. Plate Spaghetti: Divide the creamy garlic spaghetti evenly among individual plates.
15. Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley over the plated spaghetti for added flavor and presentation.
16. Serve: Serve the spaghetti immediately alongside the warm, garlicky bread for a delightful meal.

Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the garlic when making the garlic oil; it should be fragrant and lightly golden, not burnt.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to creamy and smooth.
• For more heat, keep the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder dish.
• Garlic powder in the bread butter is optional but enhances the garlic flavor.
• Watch the garlic bread closely during broiling to avoid burning.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
• This recipe is best served immediately as the bread is freshest and the pasta sauce is warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: spaghetti,garlic bread,Italian pasta,garlic butter bread,easy dinner,comfort food