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 delightful combination of classic pasta and flavorful garlic-infused bread. This easy recipe brings together al dente spaghetti tossed in a garlic-parsley sauce, paired with warm, crispy garlic bread for a comforting meal that’s perfect any night of the week.

Three baked bread bowls filled with spaghetti are shown close up on a white marbled surface. Each bread bowl has a golden brown, thick crust forming the outer layer, holding inside a nest of bright yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with browned bits of meat sauce. On top, a layer of melted white cheese is slightly browned and bubbling, sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. Some cheese and spaghetti strands spill over the edges, adding texture and detail to the warm, hearty dish. 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 flavor, substitute half the olive oil with butter when sautéing garlic.
Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to the spaghetti for added protein.
Use sourdough or baguette bread instead of Italian bread for a different texture.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti in a skillet with a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess, and warm the garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Three round bread bowls with golden-brown crusts sit close together, each filled with cooked spaghetti. The spaghetti is topped with melted, bubbly white cheese, and bits of browned meat sauce are mixed in. Shredded cheese and fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color. The bowls rest on crinkled light brown paper on a white marbled surface, and soft blurred shapes are visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley is recommended for its bright flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount and add it during cooking to help release its aroma.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing?

Cook garlic over medium heat and watch it closely. Stir frequently and remove it from heat as soon as it turns lightly golden to avoid bitterness from burning.