Garlic Bread Pasta Timpano

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy a show-stopping dish with layers of mini penne, tomato sauce, meatballs, and spicy Italian sausage, all packed into crusty sourdough bread. Each bowl is layered with provolone, then baked until golden and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture. The result is a blend of textures—crispy bread, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta. Serve atop more tomato sauce for added richness. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comfort meal that combines classic Italian flavors with a playful twist.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:28:01 GMT
A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. Save
A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. | lilicooks.com

Garlic bread pasta timpano combines all the comfort food cravings in one showstopping main dish. Imagine twirling saucy pasta with savory meatballs and spicy sausage then biting through a crunchy cheesy garlic bread crust. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with something truly over-the-top.

First time I made this I could not believe how well the bread sealed around the pasta. My family went in for seconds before I finished my own plate.

Ingredients

  • Mini penne pasta: Chubby noodles hold sauce and fit perfectly inside the bread Select shapes labeled mini for best texture
  • Tomato sauce: Use a thick robust sauce for structure Jarred or homemade both work
  • Meatballs: Use your favorite cooked variety Homemade or store-bought are both delicious Large or small meatballs can be gently chopped to fit
  • Spicy Italian sausage: Adds a kick Use fully cooked links and slice bite size For milder taste sweet sausage works
  • Sourdough bread: The base for the garlic bread crust Go for large sturdy slices with good crust Avoid super soft sandwich bread
  • Provolone cheese: Melty and flavorful Layered for gooey pulls Opt for sliced not shredded cheese
  • Butter: Essential for rich garlic flavor Use unsalted and real butter Here quality makes a difference
  • Butter mixture: Real butter mixed with garlic plenty of seasoning and a hint of spice Grated fresh garlic gives the best punch Choose bright fresh garlic bulbs
  • Italian seasoning and oregano: Lifts the flavor Always check your dried herbs for freshness they should be green and fragrant not dull
  • Chili flake: Offers subtle heat Sprinkle to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente This keeps it from getting mushy while baking Strain well and toss with a third of the tomato sauce so the noodles are just coated and not soupy
Prepare the Meats:
Slice sausages into half moons and roughly chop meatballs if needed so they layer easily in the bowls
Prep the Bowls:
Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees Brush the inside of each oven safe bowl with melted butter so nothing sticks
Form the Bread Bowl Base:
Press three slices of sourdough firmly into each bowl overlapping them to cover all sides Lay two slices of provolone cheese on top of the bread
Fill with Pasta and Meats:
Layer pasta then meatballs and sausage into the bread lined bowl Add a little more cheese on top to act as glue Press the filling down with a spoon and overstuff it slightly for the right bread to pasta ratio
Seal the Tops:
Butter the edges and press a fourth slice of bread on as a lid Try to tuck this slice in with the others It may seem awkward but will seal as it bakes Brush the top with more butter
First Bake:
Bake the filled bowls for thirty minutes so the bread gets crisp and the filling melds together
Mix the Garlic Butter:
While baking melt a stick of butter and stir in grated garlic garlic powder onion powder herbs chili flake salt and pepper Warm through and taste for seasoning
Unmold the Timapano:
After the first bake turn the oven up to four fifty Let the bread cool briefly then flip each bowl out onto a baking sheet
Garlic Bread Bake:
Generously brush the outside of each timpano all over with the garlic butter Bake another fifteen minutes to achieve a deep golden garlicky crust
Serve:
Spread remaining tomato sauce onto serving plates and top each with a timpano Serve hot with extra sauce on the side
A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. Save
A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is how the provolone melts all through the pasta and binds the whole timpano together. I have fond memories of everyone laughing while lifting the bread lid and watching the cheese stretch out.

Storage Tips

Let leftover timpanos cool fully before wrapping tightly in foil Store in the refrigerator up to three days and reheat at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through to keep the crust crisp Avoid microwaving as the bread can get soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap mini penne for small shells or rigatoni If you prefer no spice use sweet Italian sausage Mozzarella works instead of provolone and any hearty rustic bread can stand in for sourdough

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon or a crisp Caesar salad This dish is rich so fresh greens or roasted veggies on the side help round out the meal

A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. Save
A close up of a garlic bread pasta timpano. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Timpano is inspired by grand Italian celebration pies layered with pasta and filling inside a crust This version mashes it up with American garlic bread making it extra comforting and a bit playful The technique feels old-world but the flavors are all about homey indulgence

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I assemble the bread bowl?

Brush butter inside oven-safe bowls, then press sourdough slices to fully line the bowl and create the bread shell for stuffing.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Mini penne holds sauce well and fits neatly in the bread bowl, but any small pasta shape can be used for similar results.

→ Can I substitute the meat?

Absolutely! Try swapping spicy sausage and meatballs with your favorites, such as mild sausage or vegetarian alternatives.

→ How do I ensure the bread bowl doesn't get soggy?

Keep pasta on the drier side by tossing with less sauce before layering to help preserve the crusty bread texture.

→ What’s the best way to serve?

Plate with extra tomato sauce and serve the timpano hot, straight from the oven, for maximum crust and cheesy melting.

Garlic Bread Pasta Timpano

Cheesy pasta, meatballs, and sausage wrapped in golden garlic bread for a flavorful main course.

Preparation Time
60 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
105 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American-Italian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 8 ounces mini penne
02 1 quart tomato sauce
03 8 cooked meatballs
04 2 cooked spicy Italian sausages
05 2 loaves sliced sourdough bread (approximately 16 large slices)
06 16 slices provolone cheese
07 4 tablespoons butter

→ Butter Mixture

08 1 stick butter
09 4 cloves garlic, grated
10 1 tablespoon garlic powder
11 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 1 teaspoon oregano
14 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
15 Salt, to taste
16 Pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Strain and toss with about 1/3 of the tomato sauce so it remains on the drier side.

Step 02

Slice the sausages into small half-moons. Optionally, cut the meatballs into smaller pieces for easier assembly.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 04

Brush 4 oven-safe bowls with butter. Press three slices of bread into each bowl to form a bread bowl. Add 2 slices of cheese, followed by pasta, meatballs, and sausage. Add another layer of cheese on top. Press the pasta mixture firmly to ensure the bread bowls maintain structural integrity.

Step 05

Brush butter on the edges of the bowls and place a fourth slice of bread on top. Tuck it securely with the other bread slices. Brush more butter on top to seal.

Step 06

Bake the bread bowls for 30 minutes.

Step 07

While the timpano is baking, melt the butter and mix in grated garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 08

Remove the bread bowls from the oven and increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C). Flip each timpano out of its bowl onto a baking sheet and brush liberally with the prepared butter mixture.

Step 09

Bake the flipped timpanos for 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10

Divide the remaining tomato sauce among 4 plates. Place each garlic bread timpano on top of the sauce and serve immediately.

Tips

  1. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent over-softening during baking.
  2. Press the bread bowls firmly to maintain structural integrity during baking.

Required Tools

  • 4 20 oz oven-safe bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Brush for butter application

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter)
  • Contains gluten (bread and pasta)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 2051
  • Fats: 95 g
  • Carbohydrates: 222 g
  • Proteins: 80 g