Golden-Crumb Spaghetti with Parmesan-Fried Eggs

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This will ensure it’s ready to toast the bread crumbs to a perfect golden brown.

2. Prepare Bread Crumbs

Place your torn bread into a food processor and pulse it about 10 times until you have coarse crumbs. Toss these crumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Spread the crumbs out on a baking sheet and bake them, making sure to stir often, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

3. Cook Garlic

While your bread crumbs are toasting, heat ½ cup of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture slowly for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes foamy, sticky, and takes on a straw-colored hue. Once done, transfer this garlic mixture to a bowl.

4. Cook Spaghetti

Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot, adding a tablespoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.

5. Combine Spaghetti with Garlic Mixture

Now, combine the drained spaghetti with the garlic mixture, an additional 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the pasta is uniformly coated. The garlic mixture will infuse the spaghetti with deep flavor while the oil and cheese will cling to the strands, creating a rich, cohesive dish.

6. Heat Skillet for Eggs

In the same skillet used for the garlic, wipe it clean with a paper towel and heat it again over low heat for about 5 minutes. This prepares the skillet for frying the eggs.

7. Fry Eggs

Crack the eggs into two separate teacups or small bowls. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Carefully pour the eggs into the skillet and season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook the eggs just until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, which should take about 2 minutes.

8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the spaghetti and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add more of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. To serve, portion the spaghetti onto plates, top with the golden bread crumbs, and place a fried egg on each serving. Finish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.