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Fried spaghetti is the ultimate way to give leftovers new life. Pressed into a skillet, the pasta cooks up crisp and golden on the outside while staying tender inside. Add a layer of melty cheese and your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a fun, comforting meal that feels brand new and ready in under 30 minutes.
Cheesy fried spaghetti is the solution to leftover dinner woes. It’s an easy recipe that takes just minutes to prepare.
And, since pasta leftovers are the main ingredient in this comfort food dish, you likely have all the ingredients you need to get started.
Fried spaghetti can be done using any kind of leftover spaghetti recipe, like our classic Italian Meatballs and Spaghetti! It has a flavorful garlic and tomato sauce with tender meatballs you can certainly enjoy on the side of this fried spaghetti the next day.
Why This Fried Spaghetti Recipe Works
Leftovers made exciting: Turns plain spaghetti into a crisp, cheesy skillet meal worth planning for.
Crisp + tender contrast: Golden edges form in the pan while the inside stays soft and saucy.
Customizable toppings: Works with mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, or even pepperoni. It is easy to make it your own.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-friendly comfort: Uses up what you already have and transforms it into something indulgent.
Recipe Tips
Use cold spaghetti: Leftover pasta straight from the fridge holds together best in the skillet.
Grease the pan well: A nonstick or cast-iron skillet with a light layer of oil or butter helps prevent sticking.
Press firmly: Use a spatula to press the spaghetti into an even layer so it crisps evenly.
Cook low and slow first: Let the pasta set over medium-low heat before increasing to medium for golden edges without burning.
Flip with care: Cut the pasta into wedges or use a plate to help flip and keep it intact.
Cheese last: Sprinkle cheese on top during the final minutes so it melts without scorching.
For another skillet-style favorite, our pasta with morels highlights earthy mushrooms in a creamy, comforting dish.
Our baked spaghetti and meatballs is another recipe that works perfectly for planned leftovers you can later turn into fried spaghetti.
What to Serve with Fried Spaghetti
Like any other pasta dish, our fried spaghetti recipe goes well with traditional spaghetti sides! Here are a few recommendations for what to serve it with:
- Texas Toast Garlic Bread
- No-Knead Focaccia Bread
- No-Knead Rosemary Bread
- Arugula Burrata Salad
- Little Gem Caesar Salad
Pan Fried Pasta
Fried spaghetti proves that leftovers can be just as exciting as the original meal. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, and topped with gooey cheese, it turns day-old pasta into something you’ll actually look forward to. Make a big batch of baked spaghetti and meatballs, then save some to transform into this skillet favorite. The ultimate cook-once, eat-twice comfort food.
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Fried Spaghetti
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Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups leftover spaghetti with sauce, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
Optional toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and leftover pasta. Stir well until the pasta is completely coated in the egg and cheese mixture.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the garlic. Cook the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add half of the pasta mixture to the skillet and spread it out. Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella, then cover it with the rest of the pasta mixture.
- Push the pasta down firmly with the back of a spatula. Let it fry in the pan for 6 to 8 minutes or until it gets golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Occasionally lift the pasta with the spatula to take a peak and make sure it isn’t getting too dark. Adjust the heat on the stove if needed.
- Place a large plate over the skillet and flip the skillet over so the pasta is on the plate. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet and slide the pasta back into the skillet with the cooked side facing up.
- Press down on the pasta with the back of a spatula and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. You can eat it like this (sliced into wedges) or top it with cheese and sauce (below).
To Top with Cheese and Sauce
- Spread marinara sauce over the top of the fried spaghetti, then cover it with Mozzarella cheese. Slide the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Slice into wedges and serve with freshly chopped basil.
Notes
- Mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan
- Pepperoni or crumbled sausage
- Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- A drizzle of marinara or basil pesto before serving
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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