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pasta with garlic bread

Pasta and Garlic Bread

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large skillet or saucepan
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Spoon or spatula
  • 1 pair of tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 350 gram pasta any shape
  • 3/2 liter water
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin; divided
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 clove garlic minced; for pasta sauce
  • 400 gram canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste; for sauce
  • 30 gram Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped; optional garnish
  • 1 baguette medium; or 1 small Italian loaf
  • 60 gram unsalted butter softened; for garlic bread
  • 4 clove garlic minced; for garlic bread
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for garlic butter
  • 50 gram mozzarella cheese shredded; optional topping

Instructions
 

  • Fill the large pot with water, add the 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • While the water heats, mince the garlic, chop the parsley and basil, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then drain in the colander and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • In the large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  • Add the 3 minced garlic cloves for the pasta sauce to the skillet and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt, then simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, toss again, then keep warm on very low heat.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, then place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
  • In the small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and 0.25 tsp salt, mixing into a smooth garlic butter.
  • Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
  • If using mozzarella, sprinkle it evenly over the buttered bread.
  • Bake the garlic bread for 8–10 minutes until the edges are crisp and the top is lightly golden.
  • If you prefer extra crispness, broil the bread for 1–2 additional minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Slice the garlic bread into portions and serve immediately alongside the sauced pasta.

Notes

For best results, salt the pasta water generously so the noodles are well seasoned from within, and reserve a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. Use room-temperature butter for the garlic bread so it spreads easily and reaches all the way to the edges for even browning. Adjust garlic quantities to taste but avoid cooking garlic over high heat, as it turns bitter when burned. You can prepare the garlic butter ahead and refrigerate it for a day or two, and leftover garlic bread reheats well in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
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