Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Melt

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Bring together classic Italian flavors and comforting sandwich vibes with this creative dish. Soft Italian bread is slathered with garlic-basil butter, crowned with a sprinkle of Parmesan, then packed with a flavorful mix of angel hair pasta tossed in rich bolognese. Generous slices of fresh mozzarella add melty stretchiness between golden, crisp layers. Toasted slowly in a skillet, the outside develops a crunchy bite while the inside stays gooey, cheesy, and saucy. It’s an inventive way to use up leftover pasta for a satisfying, all-in-one meal with familiar flavors and irresistible textures.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:05:46 GMT
A grilled cheese sandwich with meat and cheese on top. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with meat and cheese on top. | lilicooks.com

This spaghetti grilled cheese is the kind of over-the-top comfort food you make on a rainy afternoon when you cannot decide between pasta or a cheesy sandwich. The crispy garlic bread exterior gives way to a layer of melty mozzarella and saucy angel hair pasta—proof that leftovers truly can become something crave-worthy.

My first attempt at this mashup was on a night when takeout felt boring and the fridge was half empty. Now it is my favorite solo treat whenever I want maximum comfort with minimum effort.

Ingredients

  • Soft Italian bread: brings a tender bite. Look for bakery-fresh loaves so your sandwich toasts up golden without getting too crusty
  • Butter at room temperature: creates an even spread for the garlic and basil mixture which ensures both flavor and a crispy crust
  • Fresh basil: delivers a bright lift. Choose leaves that look vibrant and smell fragrant
  • Garlic: adds intense flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution and no harsh bites
  • Parmesan cheese: packs a nutty punch. Use real Parmigiano Reggiano for best results
  • Prepared bolognese sauce: is the hearty backbone here. Homemade or high-quality jarred sauces both work well
  • Angel hair pasta: ensures you get the classic spaghetti experience but in a fast-cooking form. Cook just until al dente to avoid sogginess
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that classic cheese pull. Look for firm mozzarella so your sandwich holds together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Combine minced garlic fresh basil and softened butter in a bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Spread this mixture generously onto one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly on the buttered sides and press down gently so it sticks
Cook the Pasta:
Fill a saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil. Drop in the angel hair pasta and cook until just al dente which usually takes about two minutes. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the sandwich
Mix Pasta with Sauce:
Transfer the hot drained pasta into a bowl. Pour in the bolognese sauce and toss until each strand is coated so you get balanced sauce flavor in every bite
Assemble the Sandwich:
Lay one bread slice buttered side down on a board. Arrange half the mozzarella in an even layer on top. Spread the saucy pasta mixture on the cheese. Lay the rest of the mozzarella on top of the pasta and complete with the second bread slice buttered side up
Pan-Grill to Perfection:
Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Put the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap in heat. Cook for five to six minutes until the bottom is deeply golden. Flip carefully cover again and cook until the other side is perfectly toasted and the cheese is fully melted
A grilled cheese sandwich with spaghetti on top. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with spaghetti on top. | lilicooks.com

The fresh mozzarella always reminds me of pizza nights as a kid when everyone fought over the cheesiest slice. I love sneaking extra basil into my sandwich for that garden-fresh touch my grandmother adored

Storage Tips

This sandwich is best eaten fresh from the pan when the mozzarella stretches and the garlic bread is crisp and warm. If you do have leftovers wrap them in foil and reheat in a toaster oven at low heat to restore some crunch. Avoid microwaving so the bread stays crispy and not soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap fresh mozzarella for low-moisture blocks but slice thick so you still get that gooey effect. If bolognese is not on hand use a marinara sauce for a lighter take or toss in a little sautéed spinach for more greens. Try sourdough or whole wheat bread for a different texture but make sure it is not too dense

Serving Suggestions

This grilled cheese pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or tomato soup for a nostalgic lunch plate. I often cut mine into strips for dipping or serve it with a pile of pickles for a tangy contrast to the richness. Top with a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like some heat

A grilled cheese sandwich with meat sauce on top. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with meat sauce on top. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Combining pasta and bread is a classic Italian move but this recipe gives it an American twist by sandwiching the spaghetti between slices and grilling it to golden perfection. It is a playful fusion that highlights how Italian-American cooking turns pantry staples into something fun and satisfying. It is my favorite candidate for transforming last night’s spaghetti dinner into today’s lunch

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the bread crisp without burning?

Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat and cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt slowly while the bread toasts to a golden crust without burning.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this sandwich?

Yes, provolone or fontina can be substituted for mozzarella if desired, though mozzarella provides a classic stretchy texture.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Use a meatless bolognese sauce or marinara to keep the filling vegetarian while maintaining robust flavor.

→ What’s the best bread for this sandwich?

Soft Italian bread works well as it becomes crisp when toasted and holds up to the moist filling without falling apart.

→ How can I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Drain the pasta thoroughly and use just enough sauce to coat, avoiding excess moisture between the bread slices.

→ Can I prep any part of this in advance?

You can cook the pasta and mix with sauce ahead of time, and assemble the sandwich right before toasting for best texture.

Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Melt

Crunchy bread hugs pasta and mozzarella with savory bolognese for an irresistible sandwich fusion.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
15 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian-American Fusion

Output: 1 Serves (1 sandwich)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Garlic Bread

01 2 slices soft Italian bread
02 1 tablespoon butter, softened to room temperature
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

Steps

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.

Tips

  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.

Required Tools

  • Small bowl
  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • Lid

Allergy Information

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

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 605
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Proteins: 21 g