If you’re craving a comforting and soul-satisfying meal, then this Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti mingling with a rich, garlicky butter that seeps into golden, crusty bread slices fresh from the oven. This combo delights every sense, bringing together sumptuous flavors and irresistible textures that feel like a hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this dish is simple, quick, and wildly delicious — guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender pasta providing body and bite, to the garlic butter that infuses an unforgettable aroma. Fresh bread adds texture and comfort, while a touch of parsley and Parmesan invite freshness and richness. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand:
- 1 pound spaghetti: The foundation of your meal — choose a quality brand for the best texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the base for your garlic spread, ensuring smooth, creamy coverage.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that signature punch of warm, savory flavor you crave.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty element that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced: The star for soaking up all that garlicky goodness with a satisfyingly crisp crust.
How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this seasoning is key to flavorful pasta. Add the spaghetti and cook just until it reaches al dente, where it’s tender but still offers a slight bite. After draining, set it aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Mix your softened butter with freshly minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until they are beautifully blended. This garlic butter is going to be the aromatic magic that transforms simple bread into a golden, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
The oven gets preheated to 375°F (190°C) so your bread can bake evenly, turning delectably crispy on the edges while staying soft inside. Setting this up early helps everything flow smoothly when it’s time to bake.
Step 4: Slice the Bread
Take your baguette or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. This shape allows for maximum surface area to slather on the garlic butter, ensuring each bite is saturated with that irresistible flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter. It melts into a golden crust that perfectly complements the buttery garlic flavor, offering an extra layer of richness.
Step 6: Bake the Garlic Bread
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.
Step 7: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
If you’re using a sauce, now is the time to heat it gently in a saucepan. Toss your drained spaghetti in the warm sauce until every strand is lovingly coated. This ties the entire dish together with a savory, luscious finish.
Step 8: Serve
Bring the garlic bread out of the oven and slice it into individual servings. The fragrance alone is enough to get everyone excited for the meal ahead.
Step 9: Plate the Dish
Arrange the perfectly sauced spaghetti on plates and add the crisp, buttery garlic bread slices on the side. This presentation makes for a visually inviting meal that tastes as good as it looks.
How to Serve Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan over the spaghetti can elevate the dish with added vibrancy and flavor. It’s a simple touch that makes the plate pop and adds a fresh dimension to every bite.
Side Dishes
While the Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe stands perfectly on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can bring balance and a refreshing contrast. A side of steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles also complements the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the spaghetti nest-style on a large platter with the garlic bread arranged around it. Alternatively, twirl portions of spaghetti on dinner forks and stick a garlic breadstick on the side for a playful, interactive dining experience that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers. The garlic bread is best eaten within a day or two to maintain its crisp texture, while the spaghetti can last up to three days refrigerated.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked spaghetti, garlic bread doesn’t freeze as well due to texture changes. Freeze spaghetti in portions with sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. For garlic bread, it’s best to prepare fresh when possible to enjoy that perfect crunch.
Reheating
Reheat spaghetti gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. For garlic bread, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive its crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic from a jar?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic offers a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to the jarred variety. Just be sure to mince it finely to release all those wonderful aromas and evenly infuse your butter mixture.
What type of bread works best for the garlic bread?
Traditional baguette or Italian bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior works beautifully. These breads absorb the garlic butter well and crisp up nicely without becoming too soggy.
Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is optional but highly recommended for an extra umami boost. It melts perfectly over the garlic butter and adds a lovely nutty flavor, elevating the garlic bread to another level.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes! Mixing the garlic butter a few hours prior lets the flavors meld together even more. Just keep it chilled and spread on the bread right before baking for optimal freshness.
What can I serve if I want a gluten-free version?
Try swapping regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free bread or make garlic toast on gluten-free baguette slices. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring you don’t miss out on any flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyous about a well-made Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where good food and great company matter most. So go ahead, dive into this classic combo — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spaghetti with Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti with flavorful garlic butter toasted bread. This recipe features a simple garlic butter spread seasoned with parsley, salt, and pepper, melted over sliced baguette or Italian bread, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden and crispy. Paired with your favorite pasta sauce, this dish is a perfect combination for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Garlic Butter Spread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Bread: Slice the baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each half.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: If you’re serving spaghetti with sauce, heat your favorite pasta sauce in a saucepan. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Once the garlic bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and slice it into individual pieces.
- Plate the Dish: Serve the spaghetti on plates alongside the slices of garlic bread.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a more pronounced flavor in the garlic butter mixture.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory touch to the garlic bread.
- For a crispier garlic bread, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Customize your spaghetti sauce to your liking, whether marinara, Bolognese, or simple olive oil with herbs.
- Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
