Dreamy Garlic Bread Spaghetti Boat Recipe For Pasta Lovers

Melted cheese and golden-brown edges make this garlic bread spaghetti boat a comfort food dream that will steal your heart.

Loaded with rich, savory flavors, this dish combines two classic favorites into one irresistible meal.

The crispy bread base cradles a generous helping of perfectly seasoned spaghetti, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Herbs and garlic infuse every bite with mouthwatering aroma and depth.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this spaghetti boat promises to become your new go-to comfort meal.

Dive into this cheesy, carb-loaded sensation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for a Garlic Bread Spaghetti Boat

• Spaghetti: Hearty pasta that forms the foundation of this delicious dish, choose a high-quality brand for best texture and flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Rich and vibrant base that adds depth and traditional Italian character to the meal.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that helps thicken and intensify the sauce's flavor profile.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Robust meats that provide protein and create a satisfying, hearty filling with complementary flavors.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that brings warmth and traditional Italian zest to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the mixture.

• Bread Loaf: Sturdy carrier that transforms this dish into a fun, edible vessel with crispy edges.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when brushed on bread, adding richness and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides an extra punch of garlic flavor to the bread's crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and sharp cheeses that create a golden, irresistible topping.

Tools That Make Garlic Spaghetti Boats Simple

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling spaghetti to al dente perfection.
• Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sausage with onions.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for toasting bread boats.
• Sharp knife: Needed for halving bread and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing spoon: Great for stirring sauce and combining spaghetti.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly spread melted butter on bread.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if desired.

How to Assemble a Garlic Bread Spaghetti Boat

• Bread Preparation

Slice a soft loaf down the middle and gently remove inner bread, creating two hollow boat-like shells.

• Meat and Sauce Creation

Brown ground beef and sausage with chopped onions in a hot skillet, then drain excess oil. Mix in tomato sauce, creating a rich, flavorful base with herbs and spices.

• Pasta Integration

Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, then combine with the savory meat sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated.

• Bread Enhancement

Brush bread shells with melted butter and sprinkle with aromatic garlic powder, then lightly toast to create a crispy exterior.

• Assembly and Cheese Magic

Carefully fill toasted bread boats with saucy spaghetti mixture, then generously top with a blend of shredded cheeses that will melt into a golden, gooey layer.

• Final Baking

Place loaded bread boats in a preheated oven and bake until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket covering the hearty spaghetti filling.

Flavor Tips to Elevate Your Spaghetti Boat

• Choose high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage for richer, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, mozzarella, or add sharp parmesan for extra depth and melting texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water or reducing sauce longer if you prefer a more concentrated, intense tomato base.
• Swap meat with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils to create a delicious vegetarian version without compromising the recipe's robust taste.
• Try sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread for unique textural variations that add interesting crunch and complement the saucy spaghetti filling.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Bread Spaghetti Boats

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Complement the hearty spaghetti boat with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
• Create a Gathering Centerpiece: Present the spaghetti boat on a large wooden board for a rustic, family-style dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Pair with Cool Drinks: Enhance the meal with chilled beverages like iced tea, sparkling water, or a light beer to cut through the dish's robust intensity.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish.

How to Keep Garlic Spaghetti Boats Fresh

• Maximize Meal Enjoyment: Smart Storage Tips
• Refrigerate Leftovers Quickly: Transfer remaining spaghetti boats to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent bread from burning and keep filling moist.
• Best Consumption Window: Enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Garlicky Spaghetti Boat Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic bread spaghetti boat promises comfort and indulgence with rich Italian flavors. Cheese-laden pasta nestled in crispy bread creates a delightful meal eager diners will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage
• 16 oz (454 g) spaghetti, uncooked
• 16 oz (454 g) Italian bread loaf
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) parmesan cheese
• Butter
• 16 oz (454 g) tomato sauce
• 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) minced garlic
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground black pepper
• Garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a baking sheet for bread boats.
2. Pasta Cooking: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly, ensuring minimal moisture remains.
3. Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onions in a large skillet, breaking meat into fine crumbles and draining excess fat for a lean mixture.
4. Sauce Development: Blend tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Simmer on reduced heat for 5-7 minutes to intensify flavors.
5. Pasta Integration: Fold cooked spaghetti into meat sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coating, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
6. Bread Preparation: Slice bread lengthwise, hollow out centers, brush interior with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in oven for 3-4 minutes until edges crisp and golden.
7. Assembly and Baking: Fill toasted bread boats with spaghetti-meat mixture, distribute evenly, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a firm bite that holds up well in the sauce.
• Meat Magic: Brown meats thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors and eliminate excess grease for a cleaner-tasting dish.
• Bread Base Strategy: Choose a sturdy bread like French or Italian loaf that can hold the heavy spaghetti mixture without becoming soggy.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for optimal melting and a rich, complex flavor profile that complements the meaty sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg