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

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Introduction

Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines perfectly cooked pasta with aromatic garlic bread. This easy recipe brings together classic Italian flavors, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

The image shows a close-up of a savory baked pasta cup with three main layers. The base layer is a golden-brown crispy bread crust, forming a cup shape with slight charring and texture from baking. Inside the crust is a middle layer of twisted, light-orange spaghetti strands packed tightly. The top layer is melted white cheese with a bubbly, slightly browned texture, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a dusting of white grated cheese. The pasta strands peek through beneath the cheese, and there is a subtle black pepper seasoning visible on top. The background is softly blurred with hints of green, set on a white marbled surface. 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 cooks, 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, 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 and 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 melts and the sauce becomes 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, then mix well.
Step 8: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves.
Step 9: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves.
Step 10: Preheat the 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, until golden and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.
Step 12: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispy bread. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 13: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.
Step 14: Divide the spaghetti among plates.
Step 15: Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and a pinch of fresh parsley, if desired.
Step 16: Serve the spaghetti immediately with the warm, garlicky bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for garlic bread to help it crisp up nicely in the oven.
Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or oregano to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
For a milder garlic taste, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the butter mixture.
Include cooked vegetables or grilled chicken with the spaghetti for a heartier meal.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows three round bread bowls with thick golden-brown crusts, each filled with a nest of spaghetti. The spaghetti is coated in a red sauce and topped with melted white cheese that has slightly browned edges, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The crusts of the bread have a rustic, textured look with a few cracks and flour dusting, and some cheese has melted down the sides. The bread bowls rest on crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface, creating a cozy and appetizing scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any long pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or even penne will work well with the garlic oil sauce.

How can I make the garlic bread vegan?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.