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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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!
Serving size | (616.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1871.8 |
Total Fat 99.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 31.3g | 0% |
Cholesterol 102mg | 0% |
Sodium 3876.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 194.8g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 13.5g | 0% |
Total Sugars 2.3g | |
Protein 54.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 766.0mg | 0% |
Iron 10.2mg | 0% |
Potassium 510.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories