Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m obsessed with how this recipe combines everything I crave into a single, impressive bowl. It’s easy to customize—switch up the pasta sauce or cheese—and it’s perfect for serving guests or indulging in a cozy solo meal.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread bowls

• small round bread loaves (such as sourdough or Italian)

• butter, softened

• garlic powder or minced garlic

• Italian seasoning or dried parsley

For the spaghetti filling

• cooked spaghetti noodles

• pasta sauce (marinara, Bolognese, or your favorite)

• olive oil

• minced garlic

• salt & pepper

For the cheese topping

• mozzarella cheese

• Parmesan cheese

• chopped fresh parsley or basil

directions

1. Make garlic bread bowls: I slice off the tops of the loaves, hollow out the centers, and brush the insides with a mix of butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Then I bake them until golden and crisp.

2. Prep spaghetti: While the bowls bake, I warm olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic, add cooked pasta and sauce, and season to taste.

3. Assemble and bake: I fill each bread bowl with hot spaghetti, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake briefly until the cheese melts and bubbles.

4. Garnish & serve: I sprinkle parsley or basil on top and serve immediately—each bite has pasta and garlicky bread together.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 2–4 bread bowls, depending on loaf size.

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes

• Cook Time: ~15–20 minutes

• Total Time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Switch pasta type: Try penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti squash for a twist.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked meatballs, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken.

• Spice it up: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

• Cheese blend: Use provolone, fontina, or Italian blend for extra creaminess.

• Sauce options: Try Alfredo, pesto, or spicy arrabbiata for different flavor profiles.

storage/reheating

I store leftover spaghetti and components separately for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave or warm the spaghetti in a skillet, then bake the bread bowl briefly to crisp it up again. If storing a pre-assembled bowl, I wrap tightly and reheat in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for this?

I favor sturdy round loaves like sourdough or Italian—something that holds weight and crisps up nicely without turning soggy.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes—I prepare the bread bowls and spaghetti in advance, store separately, then assemble and bake just before serving so everything’s hot and crisp.

Is it okay to use leftover spaghetti?

Absolutely! Leftover spaghetti works great—I just reheat it, adjust the seasoning, and fill the bowls before baking.

Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely. Use plant-based pasta sauce, meat substitutes or veggies, and vegan cheeses/butter for a delicious plant-based version.

How do I keep the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Brushing the bowl with garlic butter and pre-baking helps create a barrier that keeps the outside crispy, even with the moist pasta inside.

Conclusion

These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls bring together two of my favorite comfort foods into one creative, delicious dish. They’re easy to customize, fun to serve, and totally satisfying. I can’t wait to make them again and hope they become a go-to recipe for your next cozy night in!

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