Pasta with Bread Crumbs Cheese Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this simple yet irresistibly flavorful Pasta with Bread Crumbs, Cheese, Garlic, and Red Pepper Flakes. This quick and easy Italian-inspired dish features al dente spaghetti or linguine tossed in a fragrant garlic-oil sauce, enhanced with the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. The real magic comes from the golden, toasty panko bread crumbs, which add the perfect crunch, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for creamy richness. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy nights yet elegant enough to impress guests. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve as a comforting main or satisfying side dish. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal effort—this pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 large (minced) garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the panko bread crumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the toasted bread crumbs to a small bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic-oil mixture.
Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs and chopped parsley (if using) over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.5 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 3877 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 194.8 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 54.2 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 766 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 510 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
