Description
A delightful fusion of rich garlic bread flavors and comforting pasta, this Garlic Bread Pasta recipe combines buttery garlic noodles topped with crisp, golden garlic bread crumbs for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Bread Crumb Topping:
- 1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs (from about 2 slices of bread)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread Crumb Topping: In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toast, stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same or a clean skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Butter: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to help sauce cling to noodles.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Top the pasta with a generous amount of garlic breadcrumb topping and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra breadcrumbs on the side.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape and texture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs made from leftover bread for optimal texture and flavor.
- Allow breadcrumbs to toast thoroughly until deeply golden for the best crunch.
- Adjust the garlic quantity according to taste preferences but do not omit it entirely.
