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
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 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.
- 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.
- Drain Spaghetti: Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slice Bread: Cut the Italian bread loaf lengthwise into two long halves.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves to ensure rich flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) preparing for baking the garlic bread.
- 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.
- Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy top, broil the garlic bread for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Slice Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then slice into individual pieces suitable for serving.
- Plate Spaghetti: Divide the creamy garlic spaghetti evenly among individual plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley over the plated spaghetti for added flavor and presentation.
- 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
