Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large bread bowls; 1 lb spaghetti; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of spaghetti and garlic bread, this recipe is a match made in heaven. The garlic buttered bread bowl serves as both the vessel and the flavorful addition to the dish, creating an extra layer of texture. The combination of gooey melted cheese, savory garlic butter, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes for a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a creative way to serve pasta, turning a simple meal into something a little more special.

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Ingredients

4 large bread bowls
1 lb spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bread bowls and hollow out the centers, leaving about an inch of bread along the sides.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the inside and outside of the bread bowls.
Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil.
Spoon the cheesy spaghetti mixture into the prepared bread bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or grilled chicken to the spaghetti for an extra protein boost.
Vegetarian: You can load the spaghetti with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Garlic Bread Bowls: For those who love heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the spaghetti before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread bowls should be eaten fresh, as they can become soggy over time.
Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. The bread bowls are best reheated in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bread instead of bread bowls?

Yes, you can use any type of bread to make this dish, but bread bowls give it an extra touch of fun and flavor.

2. Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

3. How can I make the garlic bread bowls more flavorful?

Try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a pinch of herbs like oregano or thyme to the garlic butter mixture before brushing it on the bread bowls.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheeses.

5. How do I keep the spaghetti from getting soggy in the bread bowl?

Be sure to bake the bread bowls until they are crispy before filling them with spaghetti. You can also use less sauce if you want to avoid sogginess.

6. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

Yes, you can use store-bought garlic bread for a quicker version of this dish, though fresh bread bowls add more texture and flavor.

7. Can I freeze the spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti (without the bread bowls) for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a little added liquid.

8. Can I add more cheese to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving or mix in your favorite type of cheese for added flavor.

9. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

10. How do I make sure the spaghetti stays creamy?

Make sure to add the cheese slowly and stir constantly, adding pasta water as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a fun, delicious way to enjoy two classic comfort foods in one dish. The crispy, buttery garlic bread bowls combined with creamy, cheesy spaghetti are sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.