If you’re a devoted garlic bread enthusiast and a pasta lover, Garlic Bread Pasta is the ultimate fusion you didn’t know you needed! This mouthwatering dish brings together all the comforting, crave-worthy flavors of classic garlic bread—think rich butter, golden breadcrumbs, and plenty of garlic—tossed luxuriously through tender spaghetti. With a sprinkle of Parmesan and a hint of red pepper, every bite is both cozy and just a little bit addictive. Whether you’re after a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing main, Garlic Bread Pasta will quickly become your new go-to for effortlessly impressive Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Garlic Bread Pasta such a weeknight hero is its super simple ingredient list. Each addition is thoughtfully chosen to mimic the flavors of a warm slice of garlic bread while transforming them into a luscious bowl of pasta. Take a look at what you’ll need, and don’t be surprised if you already have most of it in your kitchen.
- Spaghetti or linguine (12 ounces): Classic long pasta shapes are best for soaking up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds depth and a bit of fruitiness that makes the pasta shine.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): For a rich, silky base that’s reminiscent of classic garlic bread.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves): The star of the show—fresh garlic delivers punchy flavor in every forkful.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): A gentle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
- Bread crumbs (½ cup, preferably from toasted Italian bread): Adds irresistible crunch and toasty flavor, just like the best part of garlic bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings salty, nutty complexity—don’t be shy with it!
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For color, freshness, and a hint of herbal lift.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and keeps the dish balanced.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning and adds a faint warmth in the background.
- Extra Parmesan and parsley (for garnish): The finishing touch that makes each serving look and taste restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Garlic Bread Pasta
Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Pasta
Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in the spaghetti or linguine and cook until it’s just al dente—tender with a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining! It’s your secret weapon for silky, saucy Garlic Bread Pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with your olive oil. Once the butter begins to foam, immediately add the minced garlic and (if you’re using them) the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, just until the garlic turns fragrant and golden, but not browned—this keeps the flavor mellow and sweet, not bitter.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and stir them into the garlicky butter and oil mixture. Keep the breadcrumbs moving as they toast, ensuring they become evenly golden and crisp—this usually takes about 3 minutes. The crumbs should smell nutty and tempting, just like fresh garlic bread.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your hot, drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, letting the noodles drink up those buttery, garlicky breadcrumbs. If the mixture looks a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a glossy, perfectly coated consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Off the heat, shower the Garlic Bread Pasta with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a vigorous toss so the cheese melts in, creating a light, almost creamy sauce that hugs every strand. Serve right away, and don’t hold back on extra Parmesan and more parsley for garnish!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pasta
Garnishes
Complete your Garlic Bread Pasta with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of vibrant chopped parsley. These final touches not only look irresistible on the plate, but they also add layers of aroma and flavor that you won’t want to skip.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette offers the perfect fresh contrast to the richness of this pasta. If you’d like to add a protein, think simple grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp—they play beautifully with the garlicky, cheesy backdrop of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some extra fun to your table by serving Garlic Bread Pasta in shallow bowls topped with a crunchy nest of golden breadcrumbs and a swirl of olive oil. Or, for a family-style feast, pile it high on a platter so everyone can dig in together—just like an Italian trattoria!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Garlic Bread Pasta (it doesn’t happen often!), tuck it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first bite.
Freezing
This isn’t the best pasta for freezing, as breadcrumb toppings can lose their crunch and get a bit soggy after thawing. If you must freeze, keep the breadcrumbs separate and re-toast them before sprinkling over reheated pasta.
Reheating
To revive Garlic Bread Pasta, splash a tablespoon or two of water or broth into a skillet and warm the pasta gently over low heat, stirring constantly until hot and steamy. Add a touch more butter or olive oil, if needed, to bring back its glossy texture, and re-top with fresh Parsley and Parmesan.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Garlic Bread Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are classic, feel free to use fettuccine, bucatini, or even short shapes like rigatoni or penne. Just aim for a variety that lets those crunchy breadcrumbs cling and mingle with each bite.
Is it okay to use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs work well in a pinch. For the most authentic garlic bread flavor, though, use breadcrumbs from toasted Italian bread. If you prefer even more crunch, swap in some panko!
Can I make Garlic Bread Pasta vegan?
You can! Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the butter, and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the final flourish. It will still capture that iconic garlicky, toasty charm.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The heat is subtle since it’s just half a teaspoon, but you can leave them out for a completely mild dish or double the amount for a fiery kick if that’s more your style.
What’s the best way to re-crisp the breadcrumbs?
If you’ve got extra breadcrumbs and want them crisp again, simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring until sizzling and golden. Sprinkle them over your reheated Garlic Bread Pasta for a perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a big bowl of comfort or want to impress with something utterly satisfying, Garlic Bread Pasta checks every box. It’s a dish you’ll make once and want to make again and again, so don’t wait—invite some friends over and share the magic of this garlicky, crunchy, buttery pasta tonight!
Print
Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of garlic bread with this delicious Garlic Bread Pasta recipe. A perfect blend of pasta, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably from toasted Italian bread)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- extra Parmesan and parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil and butter. Add breadcrumbs and toast.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce, adding Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve with extra Parmesan and parsley on top.
Notes
- For a richer version, use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
