Ingredients
Scale
Gathering ingredients is like preparing your palette for a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 sourdough bread bowls (or small round loaves)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Feel free to swap out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you fancy a sharper taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of lemon zest for a hint of citrus freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a circle around the top of each bread bowl and remove the lid. Hollow out the inside, leaving about half an inch of bread around the edges.
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
- Brush the inside of each bread bowl with the garlic-infused oil, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, until they’re crisp and slightly golden.
- While the bread bowls are toasting, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the pasta, mixing until every strand is coated in the rich, red sauce. Add in half of the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Remove the toasted bread bowls from the oven and fill each with a generous serving of spaghetti. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Return the filled bread bowls to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and the edges of the spaghetti are slightly crispy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, and enjoy the blend of flavors and textures reminiscent of a warm day in my childhood home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
