Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Garlic Bread Recipe

This dish is all about comfort and flavor. The contrast between the crispy garlic bread and tender spaghetti is satisfying, while the rich garlic butter and Parmesan take things to the next level. It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—great for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.

Ingredients

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

For the spaghetti:

1 pound spaghetti
4 quarts water
2 tablespoons salt
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
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the garlic bread:

1 loaf Italian bread, about 24 inches long
1 cup 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)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Make the Garlic Sauce:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and create a light sauce. Stir in parsley and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Garlic Bread:
Slice the Italian bread lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides.
Bake the Garlic Bread:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bread cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra crispness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes if desired.
Serve:
Plate the spaghetti and serve with slices of warm garlic bread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes to the spaghetti.
Use mozzarella or provolone cheese for a gooey twist on the garlic bread.
Swap parsley for basil or oregano for a different herb profile.
Add a spoonful of marinara or pesto to the spaghetti for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta or bread for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Garlic bread is best fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 300°F until warm and crisp, about 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Italian or French bread with a firm crust and soft center works best for holding the garlic butter and achieving a crispy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian. Just ensure the cheese you use is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Is it possible to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the spaghetti and prepare the garlic butter a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble when ready to bake and serve.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp to the spaghetti for extra protein.

Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

Yes, but homemade garlic butter adds a richer, fresher flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought is a fine shortcut.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or even asiago for different flavor profiles.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch closely. Garlic cooks quickly and should only be lightly golden for the best flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

Spaghetti freezes well in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Garlic bread can be frozen before baking—wrap it tightly in foil and bake from frozen when ready.

What can I serve with this meal?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make great sides. It also pairs well with tomato soup or a light broth.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for heat.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, buttery garlic bread paired with flavorful, herb-infused spaghetti. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every time.

Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

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This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe combines the comfort of spaghetti with the crispy, buttery flavor of garlic bread, making it a fun and easy-to-make meal or party snack.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the center to create space for the filling.
Mix the melted butter and minced garlic, then brush it over the inside of both bread halves.
In a bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Fill the bread halves with the spaghetti mixture.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and slice to serve.

Notes

You can use leftover spaghetti for this recipe.
Try adding cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.
Use a serrated knife to easily slice the garlic bread after baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg