Crispy Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe Perfect for Dinner
A comforting pasta dish topped with crispy garlic bread crumbs, combining buttery, garlicky crunch with saucy pasta for a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the crispy garlic bread topping. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy (approximately 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and parsley. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the remaining garlic. Add the red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlicky sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle the crispy garlic bread topping generously over the top.
- Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Toast breadcrumbs carefully to avoid burning. Customize with gluten-free or dairy-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450500
- Fat: 1822
- Carbohydrates: 5055
- Protein: 1215
Keywords: garlic bread pasta, crispy topping, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian comfort food