Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe

Garlic Bread Pasta combines two ultimate comfort foods—garlic bread and pasta—into one incredibly flavorful dish. Tossed with garlic butter, crunchy breadcrumbs, and herbs, this quick and satisfying pasta is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or indulgent weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Bold garlic flavor in every bite.
• Crispy Texture: Toasted breadcrumbs mimic the crunch of garlic bread.
• Pantry-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients you likely already have.
• Customizable: Add cheese, proteins, or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or cavatappi)
• ¾ cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until foamy and golden. Stir in breadcrumbs, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toast until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter. Add minced garlic and cook on low heat for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Add Crunch: Stir in most of the toasted breadcrumbs, reserving a bit for garnish.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the remaining breadcrumbs. Serve hot, with optional Parmesan or fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Option: Add freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella for richness.
• Protein Boost: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
• Veggie Add-In: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lemon Garlic: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter. Avoid the microwave to preserve the crisp texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as breadcrumbs lose their crunch when thawed.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta works, but shapes like cavatappi or spaghetti hold the sauce well and mimic garlic bread’s chewy texture.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, substitute with three times the amount of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Is it okay to use unsalted butter?

Yes, just adjust the added salt to taste.

How can I make this vegan?

Use plant-based butter and ensure the breadcrumbs are dairy-free.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme instead.

Can I make it ahead?

The garlic butter and breadcrumbs can be made in advance. Combine everything fresh for best texture.

Does it need cheese?

No, but it tastes amazing with a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a GF version.

Will kids enjoy this?

Yes—garlic bread and pasta are both kid-approved favorites.

Can I add marinara or another sauce?

Yes, stir in marinara or Alfredo for a saucier version.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Pasta is a crave-worthy mashup that’s simple to make and delivers big flavor. With buttery garlic, golden breadcrumbs, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s everything you love about garlic bread—on a fork. Customize it your way, and enjoy it as a main dish or indulgent side.

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