Name: Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines tender spaghetti tossed in a garlicky Parmesan sauce with warm, crispy garlic bread for a delightful pairing that’s simple to make and sure to please.

The image shows three small round bread bowls with a golden-brown crust, each filled with a layer of cooked spaghetti noodles mixed with small bits of meat and sauce. On top of the noodles, there is a layer of melted white cheese, slightly browned and bubbling, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The edges of the bread bowls are crisp and slightly charred in places, with some cheese and spaghetti noodles spilling out around the sides. The bread bowls are placed on crumpled brown parchment paper on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.
Step 2: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes), or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
Step 4: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss again. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Step 8: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, creating two long halves.
Step 9: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves.
Step 10: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 11: Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
Step 12: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispy garlic bread. Watch carefully.
Step 13: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.
Step 14: Divide the spaghetti among individual plates.
Step 15: Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley, if desired.
Step 16: Serve the spaghetti immediately with the warm, garlicky bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a richer garlic bread, add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
Use gluten-free spaghetti and bread for a gluten-free version.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the spaghetti for added nutrition.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Three round bread bowls sit on crumpled brown paper over a white marbled surface, each filled with a mix of cooked spaghetti noodles and melted cheese. The outer crust of the bread is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and some black pepper sprinkled on top. Inside each bowl, the spaghetti is lightly tangled, topped with bubbly, slightly browned mozzarella cheese, and small bits of meat sauce peek through the noodles. Fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the cheese and noodles, adding a pop of color and freshness. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and inviting, with gooey cheese strings stretching around the edges of the bread bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the garlic bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter spread in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Spread it on the bread and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor. You can also substitute with fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note.