Fried Spaghetti
Fried spaghetti is a quick and delicious way to transform leftover spaghetti into an indulgent meal, and you will have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. The pasta gets cooked like a giant pancake until it is crispy on both sides but tender on the inside with a layer of gooey cheese. This dish is a surefire winner with the entire family, and it is the perfect way to repurpose leftovers.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch of 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
- If you don't have any leftover spaghetti, cook 8 ounces of dried spaghetti noodles (or any pasta you have on hand) according to package directions. You don't have to add sauce to the pasta unless you prefer.
- This recipe works well with meat or meatless spaghetti. If you have large meatballs in your leftover spaghetti, break them up before starting.
- You don't have to be super precise with the measurements. If you have less spaghetti leftovers than called for, use one egg. If you have a lot of leftovers, add an extra egg or two and toss in more Parmesan cheese. It is a very forgiving recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 826mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
