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Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines a classic Italian pasta dish with rich, buttery garlic bread for a comforting and flavorful meal. The spaghetti is cooked al dente and tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Paired with homemade garlic bread baked to a golden, crispy perfection, this meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Sauce

  • 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

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 Water and Cook Spaghetti: 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. Add the spaghetti and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Drain Spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  3. 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, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Toss Spaghetti in Garlic Oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly. Pour in about ½ cup of reserved pasta water and toss again to loosen the sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
  5. Add Parsley and Parmesan: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
  6. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  7. Prepare Bread: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves. Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of both halves.
  8. Bake Garlic Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
  9. Broil for Crispy Finish: For a crispy top, broil the garlic bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Slice Garlic Bread: Remove bread from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into individual servings.
  11. Plate and Serve Spaghetti: Divide the spaghetti among individual plates. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley if desired.
  12. Serve: Serve the freshly cooked spaghetti immediately alongside the warm, garlicky bread.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
  • Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor.
  • Garlic powder in the butter mix is optional for extra garlic punch.
  • Broiling the garlic bread at the end gives a beautifully crispy texture—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • This recipe works well with any sturdy Italian-style bread if Italian bread is unavailable.

Keywords: spaghetti, garlic bread, Italian, pasta recipe, garlic butter, Parmesan, easy dinner, vegetarian meal

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/spaghetti-with-garlic-bread-recipe/