Ingredients:
- 6 cloves garlic (divided)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 oil-packed anchovy filets (minced, optional)
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- 1/3 cup Parmesan (grated, optional)
- 1/3 cup parsley (chopped)
Directions
Mince 3 garlic cloves.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add breadcrumbs and minced garlic and season with crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Cook until bread crumbs or golden and garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove breadcrumbs onto a paper towel lined plate and wipe out skillet.
Thinly slice remaining 3 cloves garlic.
Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving at least 1 cup pasta water.
Meanwhile, return skillet to medium heat and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. When butter is melted, add sliced garlic and anchovies if using. Cook until garlic is fragrant and anchovies are dissolved, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low until pasta is done cooking.
Add pasta to skillet and toss. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan if using. Add pasta water to thicken sauce as needed. Stir in parsley and ¾ of the bread crumbs and toss.
Top with remaining bread crumbs and serve immediately.