Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe – Spinach & Pepper Jack Italian Bake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Bread Pasta Recipe – Spinach & Pepper Jack Italian Bake

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t take all day to make. Well, look no further! This Garlic Bread Pasta Bake is seriously a game-changer. It’s basically all the best parts of garlic bread and pasta, combined into one ridiculously delicious dish. I first made this for a potluck with friends, and it disappeared in minutes – seriously! Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pasta dish. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The crispy, garlic-rubbed bread provides the perfect base for a creamy, spinach-packed pasta. And the melted Pepper Jack cheese? Oh my goodness. It adds a little kick that takes everything to the next level. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Garlic Bread Pasta Bake:

• 5 slices sandwich bread
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 cups green onions
• 1 tablespoon chili flakes
• 1.5 cups grated Pepper Jack cheese
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup mini Rotelle Wheel Pasta
• 0.5 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make this recipe extra special.

• Rotelle Pasta: I love using Rotelle (also known as wagon wheel pasta) because the little ridges hold the sauce beautifully. It just feels fun, too!
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Don’t skimp on the Pepper Jack! It adds a lovely warmth and a little bit of spice. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can use Monterey Jack, but honestly, the Pepper Jack is what makes it sing.
• Chili Flakes: These are key for a little zing. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking – I’ll give you some tips on that later!
• Bread: Any good sandwich bread will work, but something a little sturdy holds up best.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this Garlic Bread Pasta Bake:

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap those garlic cloves in aluminum foil and roast them for about 20 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Once they’re cool enough to handle, set them aside.
2. Now, crank up the oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, arrange your bread slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little oil, and bake for 15 minutes, or until they’re nice and crispy. Let them cool slightly, then rub those roasted garlic cloves all over each slice. Seriously, don’t be shy!
3. While the bread is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your Rotelle pasta and cook until it’s al dente – about 8-10 minutes. Drain it well and set it aside.
4. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chili flakes and green onions and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Then, add the baby spinach and cook until it’s wilted, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add salt if needed.
6. Now for the fun part! Spoon the spinach-pasta mixture evenly onto each garlic-rubbed bread slice.
7. Top each slice generously with grated Pepper Jack cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
8. Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when wilting the spinach. Work in batches if necessary.
• Roasting the garlic really mellows out the flavor and makes it super spreadable.
• If your bread starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Variations

Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the Pepper Jack cheese for a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are some really good ones out there now!
• Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just ½ tablespoon of chili flakes. Or, if you like things really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper! My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free sandwich bread and gluten-free pasta. It’s that simple!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Bread Pasta Bake is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• A cup of warm tomato soup.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be aware that the bread may lose some of its crispness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of bread works best for this recipe? A sturdy sandwich bread is ideal. Sourdough or Italian bread would also be delicious!
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cheddar would work well.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Start with less chili flakes and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Is Rotelle pasta essential, or can I substitute another shape? While I love Rotelle, you can definitely use another small pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or fusilli.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!