The Best Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Cheesy roasted garlic bread pasta reinvents ordinary ingredients into a culinary marvel that promises pure comfort.

Crispy, golden breadcrumbs promise a delightful crunch against tender pasta strands.

Rich, aromatic garlic infuses each bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket that embraces every noodle with creamy indulgence.

Incredible textures dance together, blending rustic bread elements with classic pasta traditions.

Quick and simple techniques turn basic ingredients into something extraordinary for hungry souls.

This recipe delivers a magical intersection of familiar flavors that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Tips to Get That Cheesy, Crunchy Finish

• Roast Garlic Perfectly: Ensure garlic bulbs are completely wrapped in foil to prevent burning and retain maximum moisture during roasting.
• Control Breadcrumb Toasting: Use low heat and stir constantly to achieve an even, golden-brown color without burning the panko.
• Create Silky Sauce: Gradually add pasta water to help cheese melt smoothly and create a luxurious, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Maximize Garlic Flavor: Squeeze roasted garlic directly into the sauce to release its sweet, caramelized essence throughout the dish.
• Finish with Crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.

How to Save Leftovers and Reheat Pasta Easily

• Refrigerate: Transfer pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep breadcrumbs separate to maintain their crispiness.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creaminess. Stir gently to prevent sticking and break up clumps.
• Revive Breadcrumbs: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes to restore their crunch before sprinkling over reheated pasta.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta

• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, cheesy pasta and cut through the garlic's intensity.
• Craft a Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta and add a zesty contrast.
• Create Herb-Infused Olive Oil Dip: Serve a side of homemade herb-infused olive oil with crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the garlic and cheese flavors.
• Match with Citrus-Based Mocktail: Whip up a fresh lemon-thyme mocktail to mirror the dish's bright, lemony undertones and cleanse the palate.

Fun Flavor Variations of Garlic Bread Pasta

• Spicy Roasted Pepper Pasta: Replace roasted garlic with roasted red peppers for a smoky, spicy kick. Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and thyme into the cheese sauce. Swap Parmigiano and Fontina with crumbled feta and goat cheese for a tangy Mediterranean profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms before adding them to the cheese sauce. Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of white wine and fresh thyme during the mushroom cooking process.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in crispy pancetta or shredded rotisserie chicken. Alternatively, use sautéed shrimp or crumbled Italian sausage to boost protein content and add rich, savory notes to the dish.

Why Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta Feels So Satisfying

• Elevate Garlic Flavor: Roasting whole garlic bulbs transforms them into sweet, caramelized nuggets of intense flavor that melt beautifully into the creamy cheese sauce, creating a rich and complex taste experience.
• Texture Sensation: Crispy lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs provide an amazing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, velvety pasta, adding a delightful textural dimension to every bite.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: The combination of Parmigiano and Fontina cheeses creates an incredibly luxurious and creamy sauce that coats each pasta strand with decadent, tangy goodness, making this dish irresistibly indulgent.
• Quick Gourmet Meal: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour, turning simple ingredients into an impressive dish that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta

• Fusilli: Classic spiral pasta with great sauce-holding texture, ideal for creamy dishes.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid essential for creating smooth, silky sauce consistency.

• Parmigiano Reggiano: Sharp, aged Italian cheese with nutty flavor for depth and saltiness.
• Fontina: Creamy, melting cheese that provides rich, smooth sauce texture.

• Garlic Bulbs: Fresh, whole garlic for roasting, creating sweet and mellow flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for roasting garlic and sautéing breadcrumbs, adds richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall dish taste.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element to balance richness and add freshness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for color, garnish, and subtle herbal notes.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crispy breadcrumbs for textural contrast and crunch.

Instructions for Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Garlic Bulbs

• Select fresh garlic bulbs
• Slice off the pointy tops of garlic bulbs
• Drizzle with olive oil
• Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper
• Wrap completely in aluminum foil
• Roast in preheated oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes until soft and caramelized

Step 2: Create Zesty Breadcrumb Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt

Heat olive oil in skillet over low temperature

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant

Introduce panko breadcrumbs and salt

Toast mixture while stirring constantly until golden brown

Splash lemon juice and continue toasting for additional 2-3 minutes

Step 3: Cook Pasta Base

Boil large pot of salted water

Cook fusilli pasta until perfectly al dente

Reserve one cup of pasta water

Drain pasta and set aside

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt Parmigiano cheese in sauté pan

Blend with pasta water

Incorporate Fontina cheese until silky smooth

Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into sauce

Stir until well combined

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Toss cooked pasta into cheese sauce

Mix with chopped fresh parsley

Transfer to serving plates

Sprinkle zesty breadcrumb topping

Garnish with additional parsley

Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted garlic bread pasta delivers Italian comfort with crispy bread crumbs and melted cheese. Creamy pasta infused with rich garlic and golden breadcrumbs promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) fusilli corti pasta
• 2 bulbs of garlic
• 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
• 0.5 cup Fontina cheese, grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 0.33 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Breadcrumb Mixture:

• 0.5 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 0.5 lemon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice the tops off whole garlic bulbs, exposing the cloves while keeping the bulb intact.
2. Drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed garlic, creating a glistening surface, then season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. Wrap the prepared garlic bulbs completely in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet that will protect and steam the garlic during roasting.
4. Roast the foil-wrapped garlic in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the cloves to transform into a soft, golden, and caramelized delicacy.
5. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over low heat, creating a gentle cooking environment for the aromatics.
6. Add finely minced garlic to the warm oil, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes without browning.
7. Introduce panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt to the skillet, stirring continuously to achieve an even, golden-brown toast.
8. Splash fresh lemon juice over the toasted breadcrumbs, continuing to stir until the liquid is completely absorbed and the mixture remains crisp.
9. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then cook fusilli pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
10. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta, which will help create a silky sauce.
11. In a separate sauté pan, gently melt Parmigiano cheese, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to create a smooth base.
12. Incorporate Fontina cheese into the mixture, stirring until a creamy, luxurious sauce develops.
13. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves directly into the cheese sauce, allowing their mellow, caramelized flavor to infuse throughout.
14. Add the cooked pasta and fresh parsley to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is beautifully coated.
15. Transfer the pasta to serving plates, generously garnishing with the prepared lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs and an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

• Roast garlic slowly to unlock deep, mellow sweetness that transforms the entire pasta dish.
• Toast breadcrumbs carefully to achieve a golden, crunchy texture that adds irresistible contrast to creamy pasta.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, perfectly emulsified cheese sauce.
• Use two different cheeses (Parmigiano and Fontina) to build complex, rich flavor layers in the sauce.
• Squeeze roasted garlic directly into sauce for an intense, caramelized flavor punch that elevates the entire recipe.
• Finish the dish with zesty breadcrumbs and fresh parsley to introduce brightness and crisp texture to the creamy pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg