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Cozy & Quick Garlic Bread Pasta

This simple pasta dish captures the warm, garlicky, buttery goodness of garlic bread, coming together in about 15-20 minutes for a fast, easy, and comforting weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

Hauptzutaten

  • 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta or other short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • 0.75 cup dried plain breadcrumbs
  • 11 tablespoons salted butter 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons (about 1 stick plus 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup reserved starchy pasta water optional, if needed to help coat pasta

Instructions
 

  • Get a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente.
  • While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and starting to foam, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  • Stir in the dried breadcrumbs, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the melted butter and garlic. Keep stirring and cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and toasted.
  • Once your pasta is ready, drain it well. You can reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining if desired.
  • Immediately add the drained, hot pasta to the skillet with the butter and breadcrumb mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta is coated.
  • Serve it up right away! It's best enjoyed hot when the breadcrumbs are still a little crisp.

Notes

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave (breadcrumbs may soften).
Tips for Success:
Use fresh minced garlic and avoid burning it.
Toast the breadcrumbs until golden for best flavor.
Cook pasta al dente.
Toss the hot pasta with the butter mixture immediately.