Description
This irresistible Garlic Bread Pasta combines the buttery, garlicky goodness of classic garlic bread with tender al dente pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make dish features a crispy garlic breadcrumb topping, aromatic sautéed garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner that satisfies your carb cravings with a twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the garlic bread crumb topping:
- 1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs (from about 2 slices of bread)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the garlic bread crumb topping: In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toast the mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet or a clean one, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and soft but not browned. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes at this stage for a little heat.
- Toss pasta in garlic butter: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the butter cling to the pasta and achieve a silky texture.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss continuously until the cheese melts and coats the pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a bowl. Top generously with the toasted garlic bread crumbs and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, offering extra breadcrumbs on the side for an added crunch.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape and texture well.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs from leftover bread for the best texture and flavor in the topping.
- Don’t rush toasting the breadcrumbs; allowing them to get deeply golden will enhance their crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference, but do not skip it entirely as it is key to the dish.
