Pasta with Breadcrumbs might be the easiest Italian kitchen magic you'll ever make - garlicky, golden crumbs toasted in olive oil with veggies, fresh herbs, and perfectly chewy pasta. No heavy pasta sauce needed! Just crunchy homemade Pangrattato and pantry-friendly goodness ready in 30 minutes. It's the ultimate weeknight vegan dinner and a clever way to turn stale bread into something irresistibly delicious.

🔍 Quick Look: Pasta With Breadcrumbs
- 🌍 Cuisine: Italian
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6 people
- 📊 Calories: ~ 208.48 kcal per serving (based on nutrition panel)
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop
- 👩🍳 Flavor Profile: Mildly spiced, crunchy, and delicious
- ⭐ Difficulty: Quick and easy to make
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What Is Pasta With Breadcrumbs
Did you know that pasta with breadcrumbs - also called breadcrumbs pasta or pangrattato pasta - is one of those Italian dishes born from pure kitchen ingenuity? Back in the days of cucina povera, home cooks had to feed big families on a shoestring, and meat or cheese was a rare luxury.
Bread, on the other hand, was always around, and nothing went to waste. Stale loaves were transformed into golden, garlicky toasted crumbs - pangrattato - that brought crunch and flavor to pasta, soups, meats, and even appetizers.
Best Use Of Stale Bread
Using stale bread this way isn't just Italian - it reminds me of how we turn leftover bread into Bread Upma or Savory French Toast back home in India! That same philosophy of clever, delicious reuse is at the heart of this pasta-with-breadcrumbs recipe.
You can make it light and fresh or hearty and indulgent - choose your pasta, toss in seasonal veggies with fresh herbs, add or skip cheese, and let the crispy, savory pangrattato take center stage. Honestly, this dish transforms the simple pasta + bread combo into something unforgettable, every single time.
Why Make It
- 🍝 Adds a crunchy texture to the dish
- 🌱 Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free
- 💸 Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly
- 🔧 100% customizable with your favorite veggies and pasta
- 🚫 No heavy pasta sauce or cheese needed
- ⏱ Quick and easy one-pot meal - ready in 30 minutes
- 🍞 Perfect for using leftover bread and veggies
- 🌿 Light, fresh, and satisfying - can also be served as a salad
- 🥗 Great for weeknight dinners or lunch leftovers
🧾 Ingredients Needed

Pasta - I used organic pasta. Feel free to use any shape you love - this recipe for breadcrumbs pasta works with fusilli, penne, rotini, rigatoni, spaghetti or even gluten‑free varieties.
Breadcrumbs - I made my own seasoned Italian breadcrumbs (pangrattato) for maximum crunch and flavor in this pasta with breadcrumbs dish. You can also use panko or store‑bought breadcrumbs if you're short on time.
Veggies - I added green peas for a pop of color and sweetness. You can easily switch in or omit any veggie you like - zucchini ribbons, roasted peppers, broccoli florets all work beautifully.
Garlic - Garlic is the star of the show here. Use plenty of fresh cloves to build that deep, savory base for this garlicky breadcrumbs pasta.
Fresh herbs - I chose fresh cilantro which pairs beautifully with the garlic and olive oil. If you prefer a classic Italian profile, substitute parsley instead.
Mixed herbs and red pepper flakes - Two simple seasonings that boost flavor and heat in this budget‑friendly, pantry‑friendly vegan pasta dish.
Cheese (optional) - I topped the dish with vegan Parmesan cheese, for a dairy‑free finish. You can skip the cheese entirely for a pure crunchy breadcrumbs pasta, or add regular Parmesan if you're not vegan.
Olive oil - A good quality extra‑virgin olive oil is essential here - it brings richness, helps the pangrattato crisp up, and ties all the flavors together on this vegan pasta salad.
How To Make Pasta With Breadcrumbs 🔪

- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions in generously salted water, then drain and set aside. I like to cook it al dente for the perfect bite.

- Step 2: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and gently fry the minced garlic until fragrant.

- Step 3: Add the green peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they're tender but still bright.

- Step 4: Season with salt, red pepper flakes and mixed herbs - sauté for another minute to bring out the aroma.

- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss lightly so it picks up all the flavor.

- Step 6: Finally, sprinkle in the golden breadcrumbs (your homemade pangrattato). Toss everything together and cook for another minute until the crumbs cling to the pasta.

- Step 7: Stir in chopped cilantro (or parsley if you prefer).

- Step 8: To finish, garnish with dairy‑free Parmesan cheese for a vegan twist.

🍽 Serving Suggestions
Garnish with some dairy‑free Parmesan, a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest, chili oil, and a bit of oregano if you like. Serve this warm breadcrumbs pasta salad with a side of hot soup or breadsticks - and perhaps a glass of wine for a special treat. Since this is a vegan no‑sauce pasta with breadcrumbs, you can even serve it more like a salad. The garlic‑flavored Italian breadcrumbs (pangrattato) bring a crunchy‑crispy texture and deeply appetising flavor that elevate this simple meal into something memorable.
This Breadcrumbs Pasta Salad comes together quickly - ideal for weeknights, date nights, parties, potlucks or brunches. It's also perfect for days when you're feeling lazy or just don't have the energy to cook an elaborate meal. Cozy dinners in winter? Yes - this vegan pasta is your go‑to!
Serve it with Garlic Bread, Dense Bean Salad, Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches, Paan Shots, or warm drinks like Chocolate Mocha Latte, Raspberry Hot Chocolate, Tomato Saar, or Turmeric Latte.
💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
Store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs - plain, seasoned, Italian, or even Panko - all work beautifully in this vegan breadcrumbs pasta recipe. If you're not vegan, regular Parmesan is an easy swap. For the best flavor, toast the breadcrumbs until golden and always add some at the end so they stay crispy. If using store-bought, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder can instantly upgrade the flavor.
Pasta With Breadcrumbs FAQs 📖
When it comes to this recipe, the pasta shape matters more than you think - just like when I make Indian Masala Pasta! Since the star of this dish is the crunchy, garlicky pangrattato, you want a shape that can hold on to those golden crumbs instead of letting them slip off.
Ruffled pasta (like mafaldine, campanelle, farfalle):
The frills and curves create little pockets that catch the toasted breadcrumbs beautifully, so every bite is flavorful and textured.
Tubular shapes (rigatoni, penne, macaroni, paccheri):
Their hollow centers and ridges grab onto the crumbs, herbs, and olive oil, making each forkful extra satisfying.
Short, chunky shapes (fusilli, rotini, orecchiette):
Their spirals and concave shapes act like scoops for the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Shapes to avoid:
Very thin pasta like angel hair or capellini.
These tend to get weighed down by the crumbs, and the breadcrumbs don't cling well. You lose the contrast of texture that makes this recipe shine.
If you love a bit of fun (like me!), you can even use heart-shaped, festive, or artisanal pasta, because the uneven edges catch the pangrattato really well.
No matter what you choose, look for pasta with texture, ridges, curves, or hollows - the key to the perfect garlic breadcrumbs pasta lies in shapes that hug those crispy crumbs!
If you're short on time or don't have the homemade pangrattato, don't worry - there are plenty of easy alternatives for your breadcrumbs pasta. Here are some smart swaps:
Use panko for a light, crispy texture that still gives you that crunchy top layer in your vegan pasta with breadcrumbs.
Grab plain store‑bought breadcrumbs (or make your own) and toast them in olive oil with garlic for nearly the same flavor as pangrattato.
For a gluten‑free or extra‑nutty twist: try crushed pretzels, crackers (Ritz crackers) or even cereal (like cornflakes) to mimic the crunchy element.
If you're nut ok: coarsely grind almonds, peanuts, walnuts or hazelnuts and toast them for a richer, crunch‑filled substitute - almost like a nut‑crumb topping.
For extra depth (and a vegan cheese‑flavor boost), mix in a little nutritional yeast with your breadcrumb substitute - it plays beautifully into this no‑sauce pasta with breadcrumbs while giving it a cheesy flavor.
Each of these swaps still honors the spirit of this pantry‑friendly, vegan, texture‑rich pasta dish. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Italian dish is how flexible it is - you can toss in almost any vegetable you like to make it more colorful, flavorful, and nutritious. The crispy, garlicky pangrattato contrasts beautifully with tender veggies, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
Some ideas:
Mushrooms and bell peppers - sauté first in olive oil to enhance their natural sweetness and earthy flavor.
Spinach or other leafy greens - stir in at the end so they wilt gently without losing their bright color.
Zucchini and broccoli - lightly cooked or steamed to keep them tender but still slightly crisp.
Carrots and edamame - add sweetness, protein, and a pop of color to your Italian salad.
Protein additions: chickpeas, white beans, tofu cubes, or even roasted nuts and seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand - fresh, frozen, or seasonal - and let the pangrattato bring that irresistible crunch. More veggies mean more flavor, more nutrients, and a more vibrant dish overall.
To keep your breadcrumbs pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge - it will stay good for 4-5 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick, satisfying meal.
You can also freeze it for longer storage. Cook the pasta al dente first, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a zip-top container or freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
If it seems dry, stir in a splash of olive oil or a little pasta cooking water (if refrigerated) while reheating to revive texture. Add fresh toppings to give it new life. This method makes it easy to have vegan pasta with breadcrumbs on busy weeknights, for last-minute lunches, or cozy dinners.

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Recipe 📖

Pasta With Breadcrumbs (Easy Vegan Breadcrumbs Pasta)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic
- ½ cup green peas
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon mixed herbs
- Salt
- ⅓ cup Pangrattato
- ¼ cup cilantro or parsley
- 2 tablespoon vegan Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions in generously salted water, then drain and set aside. I like to cook it al dente for the perfect bite.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and gently fry the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the green peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they're tender but still bright.
- Season with salt, red pepper flakes and mixed herbs - sauté for another minute to bring out the aroma.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss lightly so it picks up all the flavor.
- Finally, sprinkle in the golden breadcrumbs (your homemade pangrattato). Toss everything together and cook for another minute until the crumbs cling to the pasta.
- Stir in chopped cilantro (or parsley if you prefer).
- To finish, garnish with dairy‑free Parmesan cheese for a vegan twist. Garnish with some dairy‑free Parmesan, a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest, chili oil, and a bit of oregano if you like. Serve it warm with a side of hot soup or breadsticks.












Suzy says
Who would of know something so simple as breadcrumbs could be so good! It taste so great with the pasta!
Priya says
I know right? It's really good
Chichi says
Never heard of breadcrumb salad. Will definitely give this a try. I love trying new things.
Priya says
yes, its very different! Thank you.
Cathleen says
The addition of mushrooms and edamame is intriguing to me!! Bookmarked to try this weekend! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Priya says
I love that combo! Do try them. Thank you
Alison says
I love checking out the food aisle at Home Goods! They really have some unique and delicious things there! This pasta dish looks so flavorful, and something I can even get my kids to eat! I'm putting it on the menu for this weekend! Yum!
Priya says
Yay! good to know that! Love Homegoods!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Very tasty dish this has such a great crunch to it with the breadcrumbs this is delicious!