Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is the kind of playful, indulgent dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It combines two beloved comfort foods—creamy, saucy spaghetti and buttery garlic bread—into one irresistible recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or fun family dinners. The crisp, garlicky bread becomes a delicious vessel for the pasta, and the cheesy, slightly caramelised top layer ties everything together beautifully.
The first time I made this, I experimented by adding a splash of almond milk to the spaghetti sauce for a touch of creaminess. It blended surprisingly well and softened the tomato acidity just enough. Whether you enjoy it as a full meal or a hearty side, Spaghetti Garlic Bread offers a comforting, crowd-pleasing twist that transforms simple ingredients into something memorably delicious.
Spaghetti Garlic Bread: The Ultimate All-in-One Comfort Food Mashup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic comfort meal featuring simple spaghetti tossed in a savory tomato sauce, served alongside crispy homemade garlic bread for a satisfying and family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 baguette or loaf of French bread
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (for garlic bread)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Mix softened butter, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Slice bread in half lengthwise and spread garlic butter evenly.
- Bake garlic bread for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve spaghetti hot with garlic bread on the side and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- You can use whole wheat spaghetti for extra fiber.
- Garlic bread can be toasted in an air fryer or skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked spaghetti
The heart of the recipe, providing a tender, saucy filling that nestles perfectly into the crisp garlic bread base.
Marinara sauce
Coats the spaghetti in rich, tangy tomato flavour. Use homemade or store-bought depending on your preference.
Garlic bread loaf (Italian or French bread)
Sliced lengthwise, it becomes the crunchy, buttery base that supports the pasta and cheese topping.
Butter
Creates the classic garlic bread texture and helps crisp the edges during baking.
Garlic (fresh or powder)
Adds unmistakable aroma and depth, elevating both the bread and pasta elements.
Parmesan cheese
Provides salty, nutty flavour that enhances the marinara and helps the top layer brown.
Mozzarella cheese
Melts beautifully over the spaghetti, forming a gooey, satisfying topping.
Italian seasoning or dried herbs
Adds fragrant notes that complement the marinara and garlic butter.
Parsley
A fresh finishing touch that brightens the final dish.
Directions
Begin by preparing the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with marinara sauce, adjusting the amount to create a well-coated but not overly wet mixture.
Meanwhile, slice your garlic bread loaf lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic and herbs, then spread this mixture generously over the bread. Bake the bread briefly until lightly toasted.
Spoon the sauced spaghetti evenly over each bread half, pressing gently so it adheres. Top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Return the bread to the oven and bake until the cheese melts and turns golden. Allow it to rest for a minute or two, then slice into portions and garnish with parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total time: 30 to 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness; microwaving will soften the bread. Freezing is not recommended, as the bread becomes soggy upon thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Make it cheesy
Add ricotta or cream cheese to the spaghetti mixture for a richer, creamier filling.
Make it spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara.
Add protein
Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, grilled chicken, or meatballs.
Use different bread
Try ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough for varied textures.
Add vegetables
Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers blend naturally into the pasta mixture.
Make it garlic-heavy
Brush extra garlic butter on the bread before adding the spaghetti.
Try a white sauce
Swap marinara for Alfredo or a creamy tomato blend.
Make it herb-forward
Add basil, oregano, or thyme to the spaghetti mixture.
Make it gluten-free
Use gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free garlic bread or rolls.
Make it kid-friendly
Use mini rolls or individual baguette pieces for fun, portioned servings.
FAQs
Can I use leftover spaghetti?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover pasta.
Do I need to toast the bread first?
A brief toast prevents sogginess and helps the bread stay crisp.
Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Absolutely—it cuts down prep time significantly.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or Monterey Jack also work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate, but bake just before serving for best texture.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Use thicker bread slices and avoid over-saucing the spaghetti.
Can I add meat to the dish?
Yes, cooked sausage, beef, or meatballs blend beautifully.
Can I freeze Spaghetti Garlic Bread?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Is it better baked or broiled?
Bake to melt the cheese evenly; broil briefly for added browning.
What sides pair well?
A green salad, roasted vegetables, or simple soup complement this dish nicely.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Garlic Bread brings together everything you love about classic Italian-American comfort cooking—crispy bread, saucy pasta, and melted cheese—in one irresistible dish. It is wonderfully simple, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a repeat favourite. Whether you customise it with proteins, extra cheese, or vegetables, this creative mashup delivers nostalgic flavour and satisfying comfort every time you prepare it.
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