Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Bread Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines two favorite classics—garlic bread and pasta—into one irresistible meal. With buttery, garlicky breadcrumbs coating al dente noodles and a touch of herbs and cheese, this recipe delivers rich taste and satisfying texture in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy comfort food with a twist.

ingredients

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

pastabutterolive oilgarlic (minced)Italian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)parsley (chopped)parmesan cheesebread crumbs (preferably from garlic bread or seasoned bread)saltsaltwater (for boiling pasta)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Stir in the bread crumbs and toast for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and coat the noodles evenly.

Stir in chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

Season with salt to taste and toss everything together until well combined.

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.

Use spaghetti, linguine, or penne depending on your preference.

Top with mozzarella and broil briefly for a cheesy garlic bread effect.

Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.

Use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter until warmed through.Avoid microwaving as it may soften the crispy bread crumbs.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought garlic bread for the crumbs?

Yes, toasted garlic bread makes flavorful, seasoned crumbs that enhance the dish.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy if you include red pepper flakes; you can adjust or omit to suit your taste.

What pasta works best?

Any pasta with surface texture like fusilli or rigatoni helps hold onto the breadcrumbs and flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can toast the bread crumbs and cook the pasta in advance. Combine just before serving for best texture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just skip the red pepper flakes and use their favorite pasta shape.

Can I bake this pasta?

You can transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a baked version.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Pasta is a clever and delicious fusion that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. With its bold garlicky flavor, crunchy breadcrumb coating, and comforting pasta base, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for both quick dinners and cozy cravings.