Description

Irresistible Garlic Bread Pasta combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a luscious garlic butter sauce and crispy toasted breadcrumbs to create a comforting, flavorful dish reminiscent of your favorite garlic bread. With a sprinkling of Parmesan and optional mozzarella, plus fresh parsley and a touch of lemon, this easy stovetop recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra “garlic bread” vibes)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon zest or 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)

Breadcrumb Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and cook the spaghetti or linguine until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Toast the Breadcrumbs: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Add the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Toast the mixture, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp. Transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a bowl and wipe out the skillet if necessary.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Return the skillet to low heat and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the drained pasta along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta constantly until it looks glossy and well coated.
Add Cheese and Finish Sauce: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella (if using). Toss the pasta until the cheese melts and combines into a light, creamy sauce. If the pasta appears dry, add more reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest or lemon juice if desired, which adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Serve: Plate the pasta and generously top it with the toasted garlic breadcrumbs. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

Notes

For the most authentic garlic-bread flavor, toast the breadcrumbs until deeply golden and be careful not to rush cooking the garlic to avoid browning it.
To make the dish extra rich and creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream when tossing the pasta with cheese.
Add-ins like sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes complement the pasta beautifully.
Leftovers reheat best over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and retain creaminess.