Spaghetti Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a comforting and flavorful meal combining classic spaghetti tossed in a garlicky Parmesan sauce with crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.
2. Step 2: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain in a colander, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
3. Step 3: 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, not burnt.
4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly. Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and toss again. Add more pasta water by tablespoon if needed for a light sauce.
5. Step 5: Stir in chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6: For the garlic bread, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix until smooth.
7. Step 7: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two halves and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides.
8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes more watching closely.
9. Step 9: Remove garlic bread from oven and let cool slightly. Slice into pieces.
10. Step 10: Plate the spaghetti, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately with the garlic bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes into the spaghetti for added vegetables.
• Try different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme in the garlic butter for varied flavors.
• Use mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese in the garlic bread instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
• Prepare garlic butter ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing it to room temperature before use.
• Make garlic bread on the stovetop by cooking bread halves in butter in a skillet until golden and crispy.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Warm the garlic bread in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without red pepper flakes?

Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious without the added spice.

How do I keep the garlic bread from getting soggy?

Be sure to bake the garlic bread cut-side up on a baking sheet and avoid wrapping it tightly while warm. For extra crispiness, broil briefly at the end of baking.

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

Classic spaghetti tossed in a garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan sauce served alongside crispy, buttery homemade garlic bread. This comforting and flavorful American dish is perfect for an easy dinner, featuring aromatic garlic flavors and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 the Water: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to properly season the pasta.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Check a minute early to avoid overcooking.
3. Drain the Spaghetti: Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later for the sauce.
4. Sauté the Garlic: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add the Spaghetti and Pasta Water: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well to coat, then add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss again, adding more pasta water by tablespoons if the sauce seems dry.
6. Season and Finish: Stir in fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and toss until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
7. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
8. Slice the Bread: Cut the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves.
9. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake the Garlic Bread: Place bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the butter is melted and bubbly.
12. Broil for Crispy Finish (Optional): For extra crispness, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
13. Slice and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice into pieces. Serve warm alongside the spaghetti.
14. Plate the Spaghetti: Divide spaghetti among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve immediately with garlic bread.

Notes

• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes into the spaghetti for more flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Herbs: Try oregano, basil, or thyme in the garlic butter for varied flavor profiles.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese in the garlic bread for a different cheesy twist.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate, bringing to room temperature before spreading.
• Garlic Bread Alternative: Cook garlic bread in a skillet by melting butter and toasting bread halves until crispy if you don’t want to use an oven.

Keywords: spaghetti garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, spaghetti recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, garlic butter bread, comfort food