Spaghetti in Garlic Gravy + Toasted Breadcrumbs

Nothing in life gets much better than a bowl of pasta.  A bowl of creamy, garlicky, cheesy, crunchy pasta.  When the National Pasta Association contacted me about sending me some pasta samples and coming up with a recipe, I was game.

As part of their Pasta Fits campaign, I was sent 5 different boxes of pasta, everything from whole grain spaghetti, gluten free penne, tri-colored rotini, you name it, it was in that sample box.  And stay tuned, if you bare with me and read further down, you can win that pasta pack as well:)

So back to this dish.  It was just the kids and I at home for dinner one night, and frankly they'll eat up anything with a noodle, so I got creative in the kitchen.  Nothing fancy, although it may look fancy, just a simple creamy sauce, garnished with some over-the-top toasted breadcrumbs (seriously, they make the dish) and some fresh grape tomatoes.

Really, like heaven in a bowl, right?

The Pasta Fits campaign is all about not being afraid of pasta, in this carb crazed world, but realizing it can fit into your diet, your lifestyle and your budget.

I am a firm believer in that.

In fact, I made this big batch, then froze it into single servings to put in the freezer for a later date.  That way, when rushed at meal time, we have a go to dish already waiting for us.  I actually pulled one of those out last night for the kids - as well - getting home late, the husband working outside on some things, me running frantic with some errands, well I didn't even give dinner a think until it was 6 p.m. and the kids were whining for food.

Oh yeah, I need to feed them!  Some nights, like in all families, we are just running around like idiots.

Spaghetti in Garlic Gravy + Toasted Breadcrumbs
{Printable Recipe}
1/4 stick butter
2 T. flour
4 cloves garlic, minced
juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 1/2 c. half and half
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt
pepper
parsley
1/2 lb. spaghetti
1 c. grape tomatoes, quartered

Topping:
1 c. panko breadcrumbs
1 t. garlic powder

In a large stockpot, cook pasta according to directions, drain and set aside.  In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add in garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.  Sprinkle in flour and whisk together, allowing the flour to cook out for at least 1 minute. Turn up the heat to medium high, pour in half and half, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.  Turn down the heat after a couple of minutes and let simmer until slightly thickened.  Grate in fresh Parmesan cheese.

In a separate small skillet, heat to medium and pour in panko breadcrumbs along with garlic powder, stir to combine.  Gently toast breadcrumbs until golden brown.

When sauce is ready, combine with spaghetti and add in chopped tomatoes.  Sprinkle with parsley for a garnish and top with toasted breadcrumbs.

Now, if you've made it this far, well you're in luck.  The nice folks at Pasta Fits want to give one of my readers the exact same Pasta Fits prize pack to one of my readers.  So leave a comment and I'll pick a random winner on Friday, September 28.  Just answer this question...

If given the choice of your one LAST meal, what would it be?