Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Delicious and Easy 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines two classic favorites into one satisfying meal. The tender, garlicky spaghetti pairs perfectly with warm, buttery garlic bread, making it an easy and delicious dish for any night of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a small baked pasta cup with three visible layers. The base layer is a golden-brown baked dough cup with a slightly crispy and textured edge. The middle layer is made of cooked spaghetti noodles, bright orange in color, filling the dough cup loosely. The top layer is melted mozzarella cheese melting over the noodles, white with browned spots, and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and grated parmesan cheese. The pasta cup sits on a crumpled brown paper against a white marbled texture background, with other similar pasta cups gently blurred in the background. 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 spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the spaghetti.
Use day-old bread for the garlic bread to achieve a crispier texture.
Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different herbal note.
Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes to the spaghetti for extra flavor and color.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat spaghetti gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess. Reheat garlic bread in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows three small round bread bowls with a golden brown crust, each filled with a layered mixture of cooked spaghetti tangled inside. The first layer is the bread, thick and soft inside with a firm crust outside, sprinkled with a bit of seasoning. Inside the hollow bread, there is a layer of spaghetti mixed with small bits of meat sauce, topped with melted gooey cheese that covers the pasta partially and has browned spots. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over the cheese and pasta for color. The bread bowls are placed on crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface, giving a warm, cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free spaghetti for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free spaghetti works well as a substitute. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust boiling time as needed.

Can I prepare the garlic bread ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the garlic butter spread and slice the bread in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.