Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Delight

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.

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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.

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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.