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Spaghetti with Garlicky Parmesan Bread Recipe


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

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

  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