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Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

4.7 from 57 reviews

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines a classic garlic-infused pasta dish with irresistible homemade garlic bread. Featuring perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan sauce, paired with warm Italian garlic bread baked to golden perfection, this easy and delicious meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Pasta: 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 thoroughly.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water. Stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the spaghetti is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: While the 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 but not burnt.
  5. Toss Spaghetti with Garlic Oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the noodles evenly. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing well. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired saucy consistency is achieved.
  6. Finish the Spaghetti: 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.
  7. Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder if using. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth garlic butter spread.
  8. Slice the Bread: Cut the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves, exposing the interior.
  9. Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves, covering evenly.
  10. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
  11. Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and the garlic butter melts and bubbles.
  12. Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy garlic bread, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  13. Cool and Slice Bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into individual serving pieces.
  14. Plate the Spaghetti: Divide the creamy garlic spaghetti among individual plates.
  15. Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley on top of each serving, if desired.
  16. Serve: Serve the spaghetti immediately alongside the warm, garlicky Italian bread for a delightful combination.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for a creamy texture.
  • Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor in both the spaghetti and garlic bread.
  • If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Broil the garlic bread carefully to avoid burning—stay close and watch it.
  • The garlic powder in the bread is optional but adds depth to the garlic flavor.
  • Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

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