Name: Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 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

There’s something so comforting about a classic Italian dinner, and this Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe is exactly that kind of warm, simple meal that I keep coming back to. The spaghetti coated in garlic-infused olive oil and Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the golden, buttery garlic bread that’s bursting with fresh parsley and gooey cheese. Trust me, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this combo never disappoints.

I love how this Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe manages to feel both fancy and effortlessly easy to pull off. It’s one of those dishes that works beautifully when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s plenty of room to personalize with your favorite herbs or a touch of spice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role to build layers of flavor that come together beautifully. I always recommend starting with fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan to really make your spaghetti and bread sing.

Spaghetti: Classic pasta that holds sauce well and cooks quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential here—don’t use powder alone, as it lacks that vibrant punch.
Olive Oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil; it’s the base of that silky garlic sauce for the spaghetti.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the pasta, adding rich umami and a salty bite.
Fresh Parsley: It brightens everything up with a pop of color and a herby lift.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat kick, I like adding these, but you can skip if you prefer mild flavors.
Italian Bread: Look for a crusty loaf with a soft interior; this is the canvas for your garlic Parmesan butter.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter to easily mix with garlic and cheese for that irresistible spread.
Garlic Powder (optional): I add just a pinch here for an extra layer of garlic flavor in the bread.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors.

Variations

I’m all about making a recipe your own, and with this Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe, there’s so much fun to be had experimenting. Here’s how I sometimes tweak it depending on mood or occasion.

Add Protein: Sometimes I toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it more filling—it turns this simple meal into a satisfying dinner entrée.
Use Different Herbs: Swapping parsley for basil or oregano gives a fresh twist; basil pairs especially well with the garlic flavors.
Make it Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative for a delicious dairy-free option.
Spice it Up: More red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add a smoky heat that I love on chillier nights.
Cheesy Upgrade: Adding mozzarella or fontina cheese to the garlic bread topping makes it extra gooey and irresistible.

How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta Like a Pro

First things first: bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt—this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out, so don’t be shy. When you add the spaghetti, give it a quick stir right away to prevent it from sticking. Cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, then reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. Trust me, that reserved water is pasta magic!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic for the Sauce

While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and if you enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes. Keep an eye on your garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and has just turned a light golden color—burnt garlic is bitter, so quick and gentle is the way to go.

Step 3: Combine and Create That Creamy Sauce

Add your drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlicky oil. Slowly pour in about half a cup of reserved pasta water and toss again—this thin but flavorful liquid helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky without needing cream. Add a little more pasta water if it feels too dry. Then stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and thickens the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prep and Bake Your Garlic Parmesan Bread

While the pasta is coming together, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder if you like. Slice your Italian bread lengthwise, then slather that glorious garlic butter all over the cut sides. Place the bread halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, pop the bread under the broiler for the last minute or two—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe

The image shows a round bread bowl filled with spaghetti layers. The first layer is the hollowed-out bread with a golden-brown crust and a soft light inside. Inside the bread is a layer of cooked spaghetti noodles in a rich red sauce mixed with ground meat. On top of the spaghetti is a melted white cheese layer sprinkled with green parsley pieces. The background has a white marbled texture with a few crumbs around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh parsley leaves on top just before serving. It adds a bright, fresh look and an extra little punch of flavor that makes each bite pop.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here—a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables balances the richness beautifully. And if I’m feeling indulgent, a glass of red wine never hurts!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served the spaghetti in individual wide pasta bowls and arranged slices of garlic Parmesan bread fanned out on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs for a rustic touch. It makes everything feel special yet approachable—perfect for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spaghetti and garlic bread separately in airtight containers. The bread is best eaten within a day or two, as it can lose its crispness, but the pasta holds up nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend freezing the spaghetti without topping and the garlic bread butter mixture separately. Reheat the pasta gently and spread fresh butter mixture on thawed bread before warming it in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To bring the spaghetti back to life, I toss it briefly in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For the garlic bread, a few minutes in a hot oven crisps it up perfectly, much better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works great here — just watch the cooking time since it can vary by brand. Also, make sure to pick a gluten-free bread if you want the whole meal to be gluten-free.
Can I make the garlic Parmesan bread ahead of time?

You can mix the garlic butter spread a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply spread it on fresh bread and bake as directed. This helps save time on busy days!
What other types of cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan is classic, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be fantastic substitutes for a slightly different but delicious flavor. Just choose hard, grating cheeses that melt well.
How spicy is the garlic bread with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick, enough to warm the palate without overwhelming the garlic and cheese. You can easily adjust the amount to your taste or leave them out entirely if sensitive to heat.
Is this Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The flavors are straightforward and not too bold, making it a hit with most kids. Just leave out the red pepper flakes if you want to keep it mild.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti with Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for good reason—it’s that unbeatable combo of comforting pasta and irresistible garlicky bread that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the satisfying simplicity and delicious flavors this meal brings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this recipe—you won’t regret it.