Description
This comforting recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan sauce with irresistibly crispy and buttery garlic bread. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish brings together the satisfying flavors of Italian cuisine in an easy-to-make meal that balances hearty pasta and savory garlic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For Spaghetti:
- 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
For Garlic Bread:
- 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
- Boil the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to season the water.
- Cook spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain pasta: Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
- Toss pasta in garlic oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat everything evenly. Pour in about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and toss again to create a smooth sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Add parsley and cheese: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to form the garlic butter spread.
- Slice bread: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two long halves for garlic bread.
- Spread garlic butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves to ensure full coverage and flavor.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Bake garlic bread: Place the garlic bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the butter is melted, bubbly, and the bread turns golden brown.
- Broil for crispiness: Optional step: Broil the garlic bread for the last 1-2 minutes to make it extra crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and slice bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.
- Plate spaghetti: Divide the garlic oil spaghetti among individual serving plates for a hearty portion.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top, if desired, to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic oil spaghetti immediately alongside the warm, crispy garlic bread for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or omit them entirely.
- Using fresh garlic and parsley makes a noticeable difference in flavor but feel free to substitute with dried herbs in a pinch.
- For extra buttery garlic bread, you can add more butter or a sprinkle of mozzarella before baking.
- Reserve pasta water is important for loosening the sauce and helping it coat the spaghetti smoothly.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy top on the garlic bread; watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spaghetti, garlic bread, Italian recipe, easy pasta recipe, garlic butter bread, Parmesan spaghetti
