Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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

Ingredients

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

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

Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.

Step 2: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes), or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Drain the spaghetti in a colander.

Step 4: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss again. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Step 8: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, creating two long halves.

Step 9: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves.

Step 10: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11: Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the garlic butter is melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispy garlic bread. Watch carefully.

Step 13: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces.

Step 14: Divide the spaghetti among individual plates.

Step 15: Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 16: Serve the spaghetti immediately with the warm, garlicky bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the spaghetti before serving.

If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the garlic butter.

Swap Italian bread for a baguette if you want smaller, crustier garlic bread pieces.

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to the spaghetti for a protein boost.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even shorter shapes like penne. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter and nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative in place of Parmesan. Ensure the bread is also vegan-friendly.