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Loaded Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Broil Time 2 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pasta penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
  • 4 slices garlic bread cut into cubes
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil chopped
  • Protein of choice grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon
  • Vegetables of choice broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cut garlic bread into cubes and lightly toast in the oven or skillet until golden and crispy.
  3. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Mix in cooked protein and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Gently fold in the garlic bread cubes, keeping some pieces on top for crunch.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Cover briefly to melt the cheese or broil 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
  • Choose proteins and vegetables based on preference or leftovers.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; garlic bread cubes may soften if left too long.
  • Broiling briefly enhances color and gives a crispy top layer.