Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Delight

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This indulgent spaghetti grilled cheese combines Italian-American flavors in the form of a hearty, golden sandwich. Angel hair pasta coated in rich Bolognese sauce is layered between slices of garlic-buttered bread and melty fresh mozzarella. Cooked low and slow in a skillet, this sandwich achieves the perfect balance of crispy, golden crust and gooey, stretchy filling. Ideal for using leftover pasta, this quick 15-minute fusion dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting treat that satisfies every craving!

Ranah
Updated on Fri, 16 May 2025 21:34:24 GMT
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a cutting board. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a cutting board. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This spaghetti grilled cheese takes comfort food to an entirely new level by stuffing angel hair pasta coated in rich bolognese sauce between two garlic-buttered bread slices with melty mozzarella. It's the perfect solution when you're craving both Italian cuisine and a gooey grilled cheese sandwich at once.

I created this recipe one evening when my refrigerator contained nothing but leftover spaghetti and some cheese. What started as kitchen desperation has become one of my most requested comfort food recipes among friends who visit.

Ingredients

  • Italian bread slices: Choose soft Italian bread with a tender crumb that will crisp beautifully without becoming too hard when grilled
  • Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy spreading and the best garlic bread flavor base
  • Fresh basil: Adds bright herbaceous notes that cut through the richness of cheese and sauce
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic flavor that defines great Italian garlic bread
  • Parmesan cheese: Creates a savory crust on the exterior of the bread while adding nutty depth
  • Bolognese sauce: Provides rich meaty flavor and moisture for the pasta filling
  • Angel hair pasta: This delicate pasta incorporates perfectly into a sandwich without creating too much bulk
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creates that irresistible cheese stretch while offering a mild creamy counterpoint to the savory sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the garlic butter:
Mix room temperature butter with finely minced fresh garlic and chopped basil until completely incorporated. This aromatic spread is what transforms ordinary bread into extraordinary garlic bread. The butter needs to be perfectly soft for even distribution without tearing the bread.
Cook the pasta:
Boil angel hair pasta in generously salted water until just al dente about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce and during grilling so slightly undercooked pasta works best. Drain thoroughly to prevent a soggy sandwich.
Create the filling:
Toss the hot drained pasta with bolognese sauce ensuring every strand is evenly coated. The heat from the pasta will warm the sauce creating the perfect filling consistency. Mix gently to maintain pasta integrity while distributing sauce evenly.
Assemble the sandwich:
Place one garlic buttered bread slice butter side down and layer with mozzarella pasta mixture and more mozzarella before topping with the second buttered bread slice. The cheese placement is strategic with layers both below and above the pasta to create a sealed environment that prevents filling from escaping.
Grill to perfection:
Cook the sandwich over medium low heat covered for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is completely melted. The covered cooking creates an oven like environment ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly while the exterior achieves the perfect crispy texture.
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The fresh mozzarella is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I once made this sandwich for my Italian neighbor who declared it better than his grandmother's grilled cheese. He specifically mentioned how the fresh mozzarella created that authentic stretchy cheese experience that reminded him of his childhood in Naples.

Perfect Pasta Selection

Angel hair pasta works beautifully in this sandwich due to its delicate nature and ability to fold easily between bread slices. If substituting other pasta shapes consider breaking longer varieties like spaghetti or fettuccine into shorter lengths before cooking. Smaller shapes like elbow macaroni or penne also work wonderfully offering pockets that trap additional sauce within the sandwich.

A sandwich with meat and cheese on top. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on top. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Sauce Variations

While traditional bolognese creates a hearty meat forward version this sandwich welcomes endless sauce adaptations. Creamy alfredo paired with grilled chicken creates an indulgent alternative. Pesto mixed with a touch of cream cheese offers vibrant herb flavors. Even simple marinara with extra garlic and red pepper flakes makes a delicious vegetarian option. The key is ensuring your sauce isn't overly runny which can make the sandwich soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this indulgent sandwich with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian American experience serve alongside a small bowl of additional warmed sauce for dipping. During summer months this sandwich pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with fresh basil and lemon.

Make Ahead Options

Prepare components separately up to two days ahead for quick assembly. Cook pasta drain well and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking then refrigerate in an airtight container. The garlic butter compound can be made up to a week ahead and stored refrigerated. When ready to eat simply assemble and grill for a fresh homemade experience in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine works well, but angel hair pasta offers the best texture for this sandwich.

→ What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

You can use shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for a similar melty, stretchy effect.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning?

Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat and ensure the skillet is evenly heated. Covering the pan helps melt the cheese faster without burning the bread.

→ What other fillings can I add?

You can add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or sprinkle in additional herbs like oregano or parsley for extra flavor.

→ Can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, simply use a vegetarian Bolognese sauce, such as one made with lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Fusion

Golden bread stuffed with pasta, mozzarella and Bolognese sauce for a gooey, indulgent treat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Yield: 1 Servings (1 sandwich)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Garlic Bread

01 2 slices soft Italian bread
02 1 tablespoon butter, softened
03 ½ teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, finely grated

→ Filling

06 ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
07 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
08 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the minced garlic, chopped basil, and softened butter in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this mixture on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on the buttered side of each slice, gently pressing it into the butter.

Step 02

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain well.

Step 03

In a bowl, stir the hot drained pasta into the Bolognese sauce until evenly coated.

Step 04

Place one slice of bread butter-side down. Arrange 3 slices of mozzarella to cover the bread. Spoon the pasta mixture evenly over the cheese. Add the remaining mozzarella on top of the pasta. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up.

Step 05

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat (no need to add oil or butter). Place the sandwich in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Notes

  1. This sandwich is perfect for using up leftover pasta and sauce from a previous meal.
  2. The key to a perfect grilled cheese is cooking it low and slow - this ensures the inside gets hot and melty without burning the bread.
  3. Fresh mozzarella works best for that authentic stretchy cheese pull.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet or frying pan with lid
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Medium pot for pasta
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 498
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 21 g