Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a classic plate of spaghetti paired with warm, buttery garlic bread, and this Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe nails that cozy vibe perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with fresh garlic, fragrant parsley, and a rich parmesan finish. I love making this on weekends when time feels a bit slower—the aroma alone makes the kitchen feel like a little Italian trattoria.

What makes this Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe so special to me is how easy it is to pull together, yet it feels indulgent and fancy enough to impress any guest. Also, if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate that it doesn’t require hours of prep—just straightforward steps and simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without a mountain of pots and pans to wash afterward!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor—from the perfectly cooked spaghetti to the garlicky, cheesy goodness of the bread. Here’s a quick rundown of what I use and why:

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta is my go-to here because it soaks up the garlic oil beautifully without overpowering the bread.
• Salted water: Don’t skip salting the pasta water generously—that’s where flavor starts!
• Olive oil: Extra virgin is best for that rich, fruity base in the garlic oil sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Double duty in both the pasta and the bread ensures garlic lovers get their fix.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness—feel free to skip if you prefer mild flavors.
• Fresh parsley: This herb brings a fresh, vibrant lift that cuts through the buttery richness perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Both in the pasta and on the bread, it lends that nutty, savory umami personality.
• Italian bread: Choose a crusty loaf that can hold up under the luscious garlic butter without getting soggy.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning and prevents the butter from overpowering the garlic.
• Garlic powder (optional): An extra garlic boost for the butter mix—if you’re truly obsessed like me, this is your secret weapon.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential finishing touches for seasoning both the pasta and garlic bread to perfection.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty traditional, but feel free to make it your own! It’s such a flexible dish that you can easily adjust depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some of my favorite tweaks:

• Spicy twist: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili for a nice kick when I want to spice things up.
• Herb swap: Occasionally, I replace parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile—that fresh herb aroma is unbeatable.
• Cheese variations: Sometimes I use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a saltier, tangier bite that pairs beautifully with garlic bread.
• Vegan version: I swap butter with a plant-based spread and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese—delicious and dairy-free!

How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Season Your Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil—4 quarts is perfect for 1 pound of spaghetti. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, which is key for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, toss the spaghetti in and stir immediately to keep it from sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Saving a cup of pasta water before draining is a little trick I swear by because it helps loosen the sauce and keeps your spaghetti perfectly glossy.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build Your Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and, if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes. Keep a close eye and stir often — garlic burns fast and bitter, and we want it just golden and fragrant. Once done, add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet. This is where you start coating the noodles in garlicky goodness. Gradually stir in your reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve a silky, saucy texture that clings to each strand.

Step 3: Add Fresh Parsley and Parmesan

Take your sprinkle game up a notch by stirring in finely chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the pasta. The heat from the spaghetti will melt the cheese, creating a luscious sauce. Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste—don’t be shy here, as this seasoning makes such a difference. Give everything a good toss to combine and set aside while you prep the garlic bread.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlicky Bread Butter

In a bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with lots of minced garlic, more fresh parsley, Parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder if you’re going all in on garlic flavor. Season with a little salt and black pepper, then stir everything together until smooth and well combined. This butter mixture is the heart of your garlic bread’s irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Spread and Toast the Bread

Slice your Italian bread lengthwise and spread a thick layer of that garlicky butter over the cut sides. Line the bread halves on a baking tray, cut side up, and pop them into a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until bubbling and golden. For a crispier finish, switch on the broiler for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid charring. I’ve learned the hard way that garlic bread goes from golden to burnt in no time!

Step 6: Serve It Up Warm and Savory

Let the garlic bread cool just enough to handle, then slice it into pieces perfect for dipping or topping your plate of spaghetti. Serve the pasta straight from the skillet, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves for color. This meal is best enjoyed fresh, with the bread still warm and fragrant alongside your garlicky spaghetti.

How to Serve Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top of the pasta just before serving for a silky finish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten things up if you want to add a subtle zing.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is already rich, I often keep sides light—think a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. If I’m feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served the spaghetti family-style in a large, rustic bowl with the garlic bread arranged artfully on the side. One fun idea is to cut garlic bread into bite-sized croutons and sprinkle them over the pasta as a crunchy topping—like a golden, flavorful surprise in every bite. It’s a real hit at casual dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (which might be a challenge, trust me!), store the spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic bread separate wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap to preserve its crust and texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had the best luck freezing garlic bread since it tends to lose its crispiness, but you can freeze cooked spaghetti without the garlic bread for up to 2 months. Just toss the pasta with a little olive oil before freezing to prevent clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge for optimal texture.

Reheating

To reheat your spaghetti, I like warming it gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to bring back its saucy shine. For leftover garlic bread, popping it in a hot oven for a few minutes helps revive some of the original crunch. Microwave tends to make it chewy, so I avoid that whenever possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those timeless meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort—two of my favorite things in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings as many smiles and satisfied appetites around your table as it has in mine. Trust me, pairing that garlicky, crispy bread with the tender, cheesy pasta is pure magic you don’t want to miss!

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