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Quick Garlic Brown Butter Pasta Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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A simple and comforting pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter garlic sauce topped with crispy toasted breadcrumbs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 10 minutes). Add 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently; the butter will foam and then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma in about 4-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. In a separate small skillet, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Season lightly with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. Add drained spaghetti to the brown butter garlic sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  6. Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not walk away while browning butter as it can burn quickly. Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles without greasiness. Toast breadcrumbs slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, garlic pasta, crispy breadcrumbs, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/quick-garlic-brown-butter-pasta-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/