Go Back
–+ servings
Fried spaghetti on a serving plate topped with marinara sauce and cheese.
Print Recipe
4.56 from 9 votes

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fried pasta, fried spaghetti, leftover fried spaghetti, pan fried spaghetti, pasta fry
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Dahn Boquist

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. 
    Whisking cheese, eggs, and cheese together then stirring in leftover spaghetti.
  • 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.
    Three photos: Adding spaghetti to a skillet, topping it with cheese, then topping it with more spaghetti.
  • 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.  
    Spaghetti noodles in a skillet.
  • 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. 
    Inverting a pan with fried spaghetti onto a plate then sliding the spaghetti back into the pan to fry the other side.
  • 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).
    Crispy fried spaghetti in a skillet.

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

No leftovers? Cook 8 ounces of dried spaghetti (or any pasta) according to package directions. You can toss it with sauce if you like, but it isn’t required.
Meat or meatless works: Both versions are delicious. If your leftovers have large meatballs, break them up before frying.
Flexible measurements: This recipe is forgiving, use 1 egg for a smaller portion or add extra eggs and Parmesan if you’ve got a big batch of leftovers.
Topping ideas:
  • 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

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 826mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
QR Code linking back to recipe