Description
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a delightful combination of perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and parsley sauce, paired with warm, golden-brown Italian garlic bread topped with garlic butter, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe provides a comforting and flavorful meal that’s 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: 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, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain Spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: While spaghetti cooks, 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.
- Toss Spaghetti in Garlic Oil: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat with garlic oil. Pour in about 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and toss again. Add additional pasta water by tablespoon until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
- Add Parsley and Parmesan: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toss until cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder if using. Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Garlic Bread: Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and butter is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy garlic bread, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Slice Bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into individual servings.
- Plate Spaghetti: Divide the prepared spaghetti among individual serving plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on the spaghetti if desired.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti immediately alongside the warm, garlicky bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamy finish.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Garlic powder in the butter mix enhances the garlic flavor but is optional.
- Broiling the garlic bread at the end ensures a crispy crust; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use fresh parsley and Parmesan for the best freshness and flavor.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven for crispness.
Keywords: Spaghetti Garlic Bread, Italian Dinner, Garlic Butter Bread, Easy Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food