Description
A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese combines tender angel hair pasta coated in rich Bolognese sauce with fresh mozzarella cheese, all nestled between soft Italian bread infused with garlic, basil, and Parmesan butter. A comforting and indulgent meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter Mixture
- 2 slices soft Italian bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Filling
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Basil Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and softened butter until evenly combined. Spread this flavorful butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, then sprinkle half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered surfaces, gently pressing it in for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook the pasta until just tender (al dente), typically around 2-3 minutes, then drain it thoroughly to remove all excess water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: While the pasta is still hot, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the prepared Bolognese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated, ensuring that every strand is flavorful.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of the prepared bread on a clean surface, buttered side down. Arrange three slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the bread. Spoon the Bolognese-coated pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Add the remaining three mozzarella slices over the pasta. Finally, close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the assembled sandwich in the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and cook evenly. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, ensuring the sandwich is warm and crisp on the outside.
Notes
- Using fresh mozzarella is key for the perfect melt and creamy texture.
- Keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts properly.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture.
- Leftover Bolognese sauce can be substituted with any hearty meat sauce or even marinara for a vegetarian option.
