Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of garlic and melted cheese mingling with warm tomato sauce. These Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders take everything I love about a cozy, saucy pasta night and tuck it into handheld, sandwich-sized joy. Using pantry-friendly pantry picks like 8 oz. Sam’s Choice Italia Spaghetti broken into thirds and Marketside Savory Garlic Knots from the bakery, this recipe is approachable, fast, and perfect for feeding a small crowd. The result is a tray of cheesy, saucy sliders with just the right garlicky, herb-kissed finish.

Why you’ll love these sliders

They’re fun to share, easy to assemble, and combine textures: tender spaghetti, soft garlic knots, gooey mozzarella, and a crisped, buttery top. A smear of Sam’s Choice Italia Traditional Basil Pesto adds bright herbal flavor, while a generous spoonful of Sam’s Choice Italia Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce keeps every bite saucy and satisfying. If you’ve ever wished spaghetti could be handheld, this is that wish fulfilled.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. Sam’s Choice Italia Spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 2 packages Marketside Savory Garlic Knots, found in the bakery
• 1/3 cup Sam’s Choice Italia Traditional Basil Pesto
• 24 oz. jar Sam’s Choice Italia Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Tools you’ll need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for butter mixture
• Spoon or spatula

Prep and timing

Total time: about 45–55 minutes from start to finish. Active time is around 25–30 minutes. Plan on a little extra time if you want your garlic knots extra golden before assembly.

Step-by-step directions

Follow these clear, stepwise directions to build and bake your Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders. The list below keeps the same sequence as the original instructions but rewrites them concisely and precisely so you can follow easily while cooking.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use a nonstick spray and set it aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz. Sam’s Choice Italia Spaghetti that you have broken into thirds and cook until al dente according to the package directions—usually about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping.
3. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
4. Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or into a large mixing bowl. Add the 1/3 cup Sam’s Choice Italia Traditional Basil Pesto and gently toss to coat the strands evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Open both packages of Marketside Savory Garlic Knots and arrange all the garlic knots in a single layer in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. If the knots are large, you can halve some to fit; they should sit close together but not stacked.
6. Spoon and spread the pesto-coated spaghetti on top of the garlic knots, distributing it evenly so each knot will support some pasta in the final slider.
7. Pour the entire 24 oz. jar of Sam’s Choice Italia Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce evenly over the spaghetti and garlic knots. Use a spoon to gently work the sauce into the pasta layer so everything is well covered but not soupy.
8. Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the saucy spaghetti layer so the cheese will melt into a gooey blanket.
9. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for a salty, nutty finish.
10. In a small bowl, mix the 1 tbsp melted butter with 1/4 tsp garlic powder and the 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
11. Brush or drizzle the butter-garlic-parsley mixture over the tops of the garlic knots so they bake up glossy, flavored, and slightly crisped.
12. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and allow the cheese to begin melting.
13. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the garlic knots are lightly golden. If you like a more toasted top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
14. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and the sliders are easier to portion.
15. To serve, pull apart individual garlic knots with their pasta topping, using a spatula or tongs. Place each knob onto a small plate or serve family-style from the baking dish. Garnish with any extra chopped parsley if desired.

Troubleshooting and tips

• If your spaghetti is sticky after draining, toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of reserved pasta water before adding the pesto.
• For an extra-herby punch, stir an additional teaspoon of pesto into the sauce before pouring it over the pasta and knots.
• Watch closely if you choose to broil at the end—cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt quickly.
• If your garlic knots are very large, you can halve some so every slider portion is manageable to pick up with one hand.
• Make-ahead: assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake covered at 350°F until heated through (add about 10–15 extra minutes), then uncover and brown the top.

Serving suggestions

These Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders are naturally shareable and pair nicely with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad to cut through the richness. For dipping options, keep extra Sam’s Choice Italia Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce warm in a small bowl so guests can dunk their sliders. A chilled glass of sparkling water or a light red wine complements the tomato-and-cheese flavors well.

Make it your own

While this recipe is perfectly balanced as written, small swaps are welcome. Stir roasted vegetables into the spaghetti for more texture, or mix in cooked, shredded chicken if you want additional protein. To add a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the mozzarella before baking. For a cheesier bite, fold a handful of shredded fontina or provolone into the mozzarella layer.

Storage and reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through; covering loosely with foil will prevent excessive browning.
• For quicker reheating, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot, though the texture will be best when reheated in the oven.

Final thoughts

These Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders are a playful twist on two comfort-food classics: saucy spaghetti and soft, garlicky rolls. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, game night, or any evening you want something a little different and totally satisfying. The combination of basil pesto, roasted garlic sauce, and melted cheeses elevates simple pantry ingredients into something memorable. Pull them hot from the oven, grab a napkin, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy, garlic-forward bite.

Happy baking and even happier sharing!