This pasta dish is a testament to the power of humble ingredients. With nothing more than dry spaghetti, stale bread, and a few staples from the pantry, you can create a meal that feels complete and deeply satisfying.
The star here is the texture with crisp, golden breadcrumbs providing a delightful crunch against the tender strands of pasta, while the white wine and garlic sauce coats everything in a bright, savory glaze. It is a classic "poor man's feast" that never feels like a compromise, perfect for late nights when the cupboard looks bare but you still crave something warm.
Yields: 4 Servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes
1. Boil the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Important: Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water. You will need about 6 tablespoons of it later.
2. Toast the Breadcrumbs While the water boils, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they are golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer the toasted crumbs immediately to a plate so they don't burn.
3. Create the Sauce Base Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic too much. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Toss and Emulsify Drain the pasta. Add the hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic and wine sauce. Pour in 6 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, the chopped parsley, and the Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously. The starchy water and cheese will emulsify with the oil to create a silky coating on the noodles.
5. Serve Season to taste with salt and generous twists of black pepper. Plate the pasta and shower the toasted breadcrumbs over the top immediately before serving to maintain their crunch.
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This classic "poor man's pasta" transforms humble pantry staples into a satisfying feast. Spaghetti is tossed in a savory white wine and garlic sauce, then finished with a generous topping of crisp, olive oil-toasted breadcrumbs for texture.