Description
Irresistible Garlic Bread Pasta is a delightful Italian-American fusion dish combining al dente spaghetti with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, toasted breadcrumbs for a crispy texture, and fresh Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 cup toasted breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant but the garlic is not browned.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Season and Finish: Stir in salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is silky and clings to every strand of pasta.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Toss half of the toasted breadcrumbs into the pasta for texture, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining toasted breadcrumbs and chopped fresh parsley on top as garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and authentic taste.
- Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet or with a little butter over medium heat until golden and crisp to replicate the texture of garlic bread.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish.
