Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving the irresistible comfort of garlic bread but want something a bit heartier, Garlic Bread Pasta is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, buttery noodles are tossed with aromatic garlic, crunchy golden breadcrumbs (ideally from actual garlic bread), a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a confetti of fresh parsley. Every bite brings together the nostalgic crunch and flavor of garlic bread and the cozy satisfaction of pasta—in just 20 minutes, with purely pantry-friendly ingredients. Trust me, the first forkful will have you absolutely hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Garlic Bread Pasta truly special is how a short list of everyday ingredients transforms into something crave-worthy. Each element brings its own magic: a glossy finish, a pop of color, a punch of flavor, or that dreamy crunch you just can’t resist.
- Pasta (8 oz, such as spaghetti or linguine): Choose a strand shape to catch all the buttery, garlicky goodness in every twirl.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): The base for a luscious, creamy coating that makes everything taste rich.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The heart and soul of this dish—go heavy for that classic garlic bread punch.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a touch wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings every flavor to life and seasons the pasta perfectly.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of warmth that rounds out the flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, preferably from toasted garlic bread): The secret weapon for crunch and that “garlic bread” flavor. Crush leftover garlic bread for a real treat!
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): For nutty, salty, melty magic in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Bright green freshness levels up both flavor and color.
- Reserved Pasta Water (1/4 cup): Helps bind the sauce and gives the pasta a silky finish.
How to Make Garlic Bread Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente—you want a little bite left! Right before you drain it, scoop out about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and get ready for the best part.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a roomy skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. As soon as the butter starts to sizzle gently, add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat). Let the garlic soften and become fragrant for about 1 to 2 minutes, but keep a close eye—it should stay pale, not browned, for the sweetest flavor and aroma.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs
Scatter in your breadcrumbs and stir to coat them in all that garlicky, buttery oil. Let them toast for 2 or 3 minutes until they turn a lovely golden color and fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering garlic bread aroma. Season with salt and black pepper, and give everything a quick stir.
Step 4: Finish and Toss
Turn the heat down to low and toss in the drained pasta. Splash in the reserved pasta water to loosen everything up and help the sauce cling to each noodle. Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, stirring until the cheese melts and the greens turn vibrant. That’s it—Garlic Bread Pasta is ready to devour!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Pasta
Garnishes
This dish positively begs for a final scattering of fresh parsley, an extra shower of grated Parmesan, and more toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch. If you like a pop of color (and flavor), a pinch of crushed red pepper is heavenly. Serve with a lemon wedge if you want a little brightness, too!
Side Dishes
Garlic Bread Pasta is comfort food at its finest, but it’s also wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a simple bowl of tomato soup. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside extra garlic bread (because who can ever have too much?) or a cold antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, twirl portions into “nests” on individual plates and top with a Parmesan crisp or a sprig of fresh herbs. For family-style fun, heap the pasta in a big serving bowl and let everyone dig in, topping their own with extra cheese and crunchy crumbs. Leftover Garlic Bread Pasta also makes a fabulous next-day lunch with an over-easy egg on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Garlic Bread Pasta (it’s rare, but it happens!), cool it completely and transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 3 days. The breadcrumbs will soften, but you can always add a few fresh ones before serving.
Freezing
Want to freeze your leftovers? You can—it’s best to skip the parsley before freezing and add it fresh later. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To revive Garlic Bread Pasta, add a splash of water or an extra pat of butter to the skillet, then gently reheat over low heat until warmed through. Stir in a fresh handful of parsley and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs just before serving for that “freshly made” crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of garlic bread crumbs?
Absolutely! While homemade garlic bread crumbs deliver the most authentic flavor, plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs are a quick and tasty substitute. Add a pinch of garlic powder to mimic that toasty garlic bread vibe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries—you can use dried parsley or even minced chives or basil for a different twist. Anything bright and fresh will liven up the finished dish.
Is Garlic Bread Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, Garlic Bread Pasta is naturally vegetarian as written. Just double-check that your Parmesan is a vegetarian-friendly brand if that’s important to you.
How can I make this meal more filling?
Add chopped cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms right at the end before tossing with the herbs and cheese. This turns Garlic Bread Pasta into a hearty main course in minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crush toasted gluten-free garlic bread). The flavor will be just as magical.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a pasta fanatic, a garlic bread devotee, or simply need a fast and cozy dinner, Garlic Bread Pasta is pure joy in a bowl. Try it once—this combination of buttery noodles, crunchy crumbs, and loads of garlic is sure to win over everyone at the table. Can’t wait for you to give it a whirl and fall in love!
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Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of garlicky flavors and pasta, this Garlic Bread Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably from toasted garlic bread)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain.
- Prepare the sauce: Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant. Stir in breadcrumbs, toast until golden. Add salt and pepper.
- Combine: Reduce heat, add pasta and reserved water. Mix in Parmesan and parsley until heated through.
- Serve: Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, use leftover garlic bread processed into crumbs.
- Enhance with cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
