Pin it
This grilled cheese with spaghetti takes cozy eating way up a notch by cramming angel hair pasta smothered in thick bolognese between two garlic-buttered slices loaded with melty mozzarella. It’s perfect when you want both a cheesy sandwich and Italian flavors in one bite.
I first made this when my fridge was nearly empty but had leftover spaghetti and cheese. It turned from a last-minute fix to a favorite comfort dish my friends keep asking for.
Ingredients
- Soft Italian bread: Pick a tender loaf that crisps nicely but stays soft inside when grilled
- Butter: Room temp butter spreads easier and makes a tasty garlic base
- Fresh basil: Brightens up the rich cheese and sauce with fresh herbal notes
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives that classic garlicky kick to your butter
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty crunch on the outside crust while boosting flavor
- Bolognese sauce: Rich and meaty, this keeps the pasta filling juicy
- Angel hair pasta: Thin and delicate, it fits in the sandwich without puffing it up too much
- Fresh mozzarella: Melts smoothly and stretches beautifully, balancing the sauce’s savoriness
Instructions
- Make garlic butter first
- Stir softened butter with finely chopped garlic and chopped basil until mixed well. This fresh spread is what turns plain bread into something special. Butter's got to be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread.
- Cook the pasta next
- Boil angel hair in salty water, but stop about 2 minutes before it’s fully tender. It’ll keep cooking a bit with the hot sauce and when grilled. Drain well or else the sandwich gets soggy.
- Mix pasta with sauce
- Toss your hot pasta with bolognese so every bit is covered. The warm pasta helps sauce soak in nicely. Mix gently so noodles don’t break while spreading sauce.
- Build your sandwich
- Start with a bread slice, garlic-butter side down, then layer half the mozzarella, pasta mixture, and more cheese on top. Finish with the second bread slice, butter side up. Putting cheese on both sides of pasta keeps the filling sealed in.
- Grill until perfect
- Cook on medium-low heat with a lid for 5 minutes each side until bread is golden and cheese’s all melty. Cover traps heat like an oven so cheese melts fully and the outside gets crispy.
Pin it
Fresh mozzarella is the real game changer here. I once served this to my Italian neighbor and he swore it beats his grandma’s grilled cheese. He loved how the mozzarella stretched and brought back memories of growing up in Naples.
Best Pasta Picks
Angel hair shines in this sammie since it’s fragile and folds easily between bread. If you want to swap in other noodles, try chopping longer ones like spaghetti or fettuccine shorter before cooking. Smaller shapes like elbow macaroni or penne work well too because they trap sauce inside the sandwich.
Pin it
Sauce Switch-Ups
Though bolognese is rich and meaty, you can swap in plenty of other sauces. Try creamy alfredo with grilled chicken for something indulgent. Pesto mixed with cream cheese gives fresh, grassy flavors. Even a simple marinara with added garlic and red pepper flakes works great for a veggie-friendly twist. Just make sure the sauce isn’t too watery or the sandwich might get soggy.
What to Serve With It
This rich sandwich pairs perfectly with a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil that cuts through the heaviness. Want a full Italian-American vibe? Offer a small bowl of warmed sauce for dipping on the side. In summer, sip it with cold Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil leaves.
Make Ahead Tips
Prep parts up to two days ahead so you can toss it together fast. Cook and drain pasta well, then add a little olive oil to keep it from sticking and pop it in the fridge sealed up tight. The garlic butter mix keeps fresh up to a week in the fridge. When you’re ready, just build and grill for a fresh-tasting meal in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Sure, thin pasta like linguine or spaghetti is good, but angel hair gives this sandwich the best feel.
- → What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?
Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese works well if you want that melty, stretchy texture.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep the heat medium-low and heat your pan evenly. Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt quickly without burning the bread.
- → What other fillings can I add?
Throw in cooked spinach or mushrooms, or some herbs like parsley or oregano for a flavor boost.
- → Can I make this vegetarian-friendly?
Yep, just swap in a vegetarian Bolognese sauce, like one with lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.