Spaghetti Garlic Bread

Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a creative, indulgent dish that combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible baked casserole. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when garlic bread meets cheesy spaghetti, this recipe is your delicious answer.

I’ll never forget the first time I served this at a family potluck. My kids couldn’t believe I’d “put spaghetti on bread” (even though it’s baked together), and within minutes, the entire pan had disappeared. This Spaghetti Garlic Bread recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I need something easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. The buttery garlic sauce coats every strand of pasta, while melted mozzarella and Parmesan create that golden, bubbly top we all crave. It’s comfort food at its finest and surprisingly simple to pull together with pantry staples.

What You’ll Need to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread

I always recommend using good-quality Parmesan cheese for this recipe because it adds so much flavor to the garlic butter sauce. Fresh garlic is a must for the best taste, and don’t skip the parsley since it brightens everything up beautifully.

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (I use 6 for extra garlicky goodness)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated tastes best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pro tip: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter along with the garlic.

How to Make This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

I prefer to slightly undercook my spaghetti since it continues cooking in the oven, which prevents it from becoming mushy.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well in a colander and return the pasta to the pot.

Step 3: While your pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling gently, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn, which creates a bitter taste.

Step 4: Remove the garlic butter from heat immediately and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. The residual heat will release the parsley’s aroma.

Step 5: Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the pot. Using tongs or two forks, toss everything together until every strand is completely coated and glistening with that beautiful butter sauce.

Step 6: Transfer half of the buttery spaghetti mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over this first layer.

Step 7: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella, distributing them across the entire surface for even melting.

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling around the edges, and turning golden brown on top. For an extra crispy, almost crunchy top, switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Perfect Pairings for Your Garlic Bread Spaghetti

This cheesy pasta bake pairs wonderfully with lighter dishes that balance its richness.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with Italian vinaigrette cuts through the buttery richness and adds freshness to your meal.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Sliced seasoned chicken provides lean protein and turns this side dish into a complete dinner.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add nutrition and complement the garlic flavors beautifully.

Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serving warm marinara on the side adds a tangy tomato element that pairs perfectly with the cheesy spaghetti.

Caesar Salad: The creamy, anchovy-rich dressing in Caesar salad echoes the savory notes in the garlic butter for a cohesive meal.

More Comfort Food Favorites to Try

This Spaghetti Garlic Bread pairs beautifully with other comforting dishes that round out a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner spread, serve it alongside Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce where the golden, breaded chicken complements the cheesy pasta perfectly. The rich garlic notes in both dishes create a cohesive flavor profile that everyone will love.

When looking for lighter accompaniments to balance the richness, consider pairing with Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet for added vegetables, or serve after enjoying Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup as a first course.

For another cheesy pasta option that uses similar ingredients, try Crockpot Mac and Cheese which offers the same comfort food appeal with even less hands-on time.

Storing Your Leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread

Store any leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making leftovers especially tasty.

To reheat, I recommend placing portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese gets melty again. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy.

Pro tip: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it perfect for meal prep or having a quick dinner ready when life gets busy.

Common Questions About Making Spaghetti Garlic Bread

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