Cheesy Spaghetti in Garlic Bread Bowls
A quick and comforting dish featuring spaghetti served in crispy garlic bread bowls, perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit picky eaters.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 quarts water For boiling pasta
- 2 Tbsp salt Plus more if needed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 loaf Italian bread (about 24 inches long) Spotlight ingredient
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Equivalent to 2 sticks
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder Optional, for extra punch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Spaghetti
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and stir in 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Once boiling, add the spaghetti and stir immediately to keep the noodles from sticking.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente. Taste a strand a minute or two early to ensure it’s perfectly firm.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss in the drained spaghetti and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix well, adding more pasta water if the noodles seem dry.
- Stir in parsley and Parmesan until the pasta is evenly coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce looks too thin, add a quick splash more cheese; if too thick, add a spoon of pasta water.
Making the Garlic Bread
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Slice the Italian bread lengthwise and spread the garlic butter generously over each cut side.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread halves cut-side up for 10–12 minutes until golden and melty.
- For a crispier finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Slice once slightly cooled. Pro tip: hollow out small sections to create mini bowls.
Serving
- Divide the garlic-coated spaghetti into bowls or plates, top with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve alongside the warm garlic bread.
- Serve immediately for the best experience with melty cheese!
Notes
Keep your pasta water as it enhances the sauce. For a make-ahead option, cook spaghetti and garlic butter separately and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-crisp bread if necessary before serving. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cut bread into little boats for fun servings for kids.