Spaghetti & Garlic Bread – Classic Comfort Dinner

This simple and satisfying recipe pairs a classic spaghetti with homemade garlic bread — the perfect combo for a cozy, family-style meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two comforting favorites in one meal
• Garlic bread adds richness and crunch
• Easy to make and great for sharing
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~20 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Yield: ~4–6 servings
• Method: Stovetop + oven
• Diet: Vegetarian (if using meat sauce, it becomes non-vegetarian)

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Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

• 400 g dried spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 400–500 ml tomato sauce (or marinara)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Bread

• 1 loaf of French bread or baguette
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Optional: grated Parmesan or mozzarella for topping

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Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
   • In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, bring to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. If using, stir in chopped basil or parsley at the end.
3. Prepare the Garlic Bread
   • Preheat your oven to 200 °C (about 400°F).
   • Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise.
   • Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl. Spread this generously on each half of the bread.
   • If you like, sprinkle grated cheese on top.
   • Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is melted.
4. Serve
   • Slice the garlic bread and serve alongside or on top of the spaghetti.
   • Garnish with extra parsley or cheese, if desired.

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You Must Know

• Don’t overcook the garlic when sautéing — burnt garlic tastes bitter.
• Spread the garlic-butter mix evenly so every bite of bread is flavorful.
• For extra crunch, you can broil the garlic bread for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch it carefully).

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Storage Tips

• Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3‑4 days.
• Garlic bread is best eaten fresh; if you need to store it, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven before serving again.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti.
• Replace tomato sauce with pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter garlic bread, or use dairy-free spread if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Add a side salad (green, Caesar, or tomato) to balance the richness.
• Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables (like zucchini or broccoli).
• Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a cozy dinner.

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Pro Tips

• Use a serrated knife to slice the bread so you don’t squish it.
• Warm the garlic-butter mixture slightly before spreading — makes it easier to spread evenly.
• If your sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water when tossing.

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Final Thoughts

Spaghetti paired with garlic bread is a timeless, comforting meal that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekday supper, this combo delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

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