Spaghetti with Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs, Lemon, and Rosemary (30 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

This spaghetti with toasted garlic breadcrumbs, lemon, and rosemary combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with fresh and aromatic flavors.

This pasta recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a dish that’s both easy to prepare and sophisticated in taste.

The crunchy garlic breadcrumbs provide a delightful texture contrast to the soft noodles, while the lemon and rosemary offer a vibrant and herby freshness.

This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a treat or a simple yet elegant meal for entertaining guests.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the toasted garlic breadcrumbs:

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the breadcrumbs (10 minutes): In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs, stirring frequently, until they are golden and toasted. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside on a plate to cool.
  2. Cook the pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  3. Mix the pasta with seasonings (5 minutes): Return the drained pasta to the pot. Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine thoroughly. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to moisten.
  4. Assemble the dish (2 minutes): Transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish or individual plates. Evenly sprinkle the toasted garlic breadcrumbs over the pasta.
  5. Serve (3 minutes): Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, offering additional Parmesan cheese at the table.

Notes

This spaghetti is a dish that truly shines through its simplicity and depth of flavor. For the best results, use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon for a bright, zesty taste.

The breadcrumbs can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently, adding a little extra olive oil to refresh the flavors.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Start by gathering blueberries, kiwi slices, juicy orange segments, ripe strawberries, plump red grapes, sweet mango cubes, or whatever fruit you have on hand! Give everything a gentle mix in a large bowl. For a zesty twist, drizzle with a bit of fresh lime or lemon juice. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint or a hint of honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits. Serve chilled.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner (35-40 Minutes)

The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese (20 Minutes)

Beef Pad Thai (37 Minutes)

Pumpkin and Ham Macaroni and Cheese (50 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!