Description
This Garlic Bread Pasta recipe combines the comforting flavors of garlic bread with a hearty pasta dish. Featuring cavatappi pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with browned buttery breadcrumbs, it’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Ready in just 20 minutes and serving four, this dish brings the essence of garlic bread in a convenient pasta form.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta
Breadcrumb Topping
- 3/4 cup dried plain breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Brown Butter Breadcrumbs: While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the skillet constantly, until the butter turns a deep amber color and develops a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it. Reduce heat to low.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Add the dried breadcrumbs, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper to the browned butter. Stir well to evenly coat the breadcrumbs, then remove the skillet from heat to prevent over-toasting.
- Melt Garlic Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup butter with the minced garlic. Microwave just until the butter is melted and garlic is fragrant, about 20-30 seconds.
- Toss Pasta with Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Breadcrumbs and Serve: Sprinkle the browned breadcrumb mixture over the pasta and toss gently to evenly distribute. Serve the garlic bread pasta warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier breadcrumb topping, you can spread the coated breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use salted butter to enhance flavor, but adjust added salt if substituting with unsalted butter.
- The browned butter adds a nutty depth; do not rush this step or skip it for best flavor.
- Garlic can be adjusted to taste; roasted garlic can be used for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley can replace dried parsley for a fresher herbaceous note, added just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American