Fried spaghetti is the easiest and most delicious way to use leftover spaghetti or pasta noodles hanging out in your fridge. Don’t believe me? Just wait.
Why This Recipe is the Best Fried Spaghetti Recipe
Sure, it’s my recipeāif you could call it that since it’s sooooo easyāso I may be biased. But really, the great thing about this recipe is how practical it is. If you’re a hardcore pasta fiend like me, you probably always have that little amount of plain pasta somewhere in the back of the fridge.
Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like enough for a meal for one. But who throws out good pasta? No me! So unlike other recipes that call for large quantities of spaghetti, this recipe allows you to take what you have and adjust from there.
Short on the pasta end? Throw some diced Italian sausage or veggies, such as leftover peas and carrots. And, of course, there’s always room for cheese!
How to Make Fried Spaghetti
Spaghetti and pasta dishes are a dime a dozen on the internet. They can be time-consuming and complicated. This spaghetti dish, however, uses what you already have in your fridge and pantry. You’re welcome š
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or linguine (or any leftover noodles), about one cup
- Red sauce or marinara (optional for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
1. Using a frying pan or cast iron skillet, heat your olive oil on medium-high heat.
2. Once your olive oil is hot, add your cooked spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with half your garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Let it cook one minute, then add half of your Parmesan cheese and half of your shredded cheese.
3. Let cook until the bottom of the pasta is golden brown, and the cheese is melted. The cheese will bind it together to form almost like a pancake.
4. Now, you need to flip your pasta pancake. Do this with either a large spatula or using a cooking sheet on top of the frying pan and flipping it over. The second method might not be the best if oil is left in the pan. Also, I don’t recommend this method if you’re using a heavy cast iron skillet.
5. Next, return the pancake to the pan, uncooked side down, and top it with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder again.
6. Cook again until the bottom is brown and the cheese melted.
7. Remove from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into quarters, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with the dipping sauce of your choice, such as tomato sauce or a bowl of marinara.
Easiest Fried Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Spaghetti or linguine (or any leftover noodles)
- Red sauce or marinara (optional for dipping)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- Ā¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Ā½ cup Shredded mozzarella cheese or shredded cheese of choice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Using a frying pan or cast iron skillet, heat your olive oil on medium-high heat.
- Once your olive oil is hot, add your cooked spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with half your garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Let it cook one minute, then add half of your Parmesan cheese and half of your shredded cheese.
- Let cook until the bottom of the pasta is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The cheese will bind it together to form almost like a pancake.
- Now you need to flip your pasta pancake. Do this with either a large spatula or using a cooking sheet on top of the frying pan and flipping it over. The second method might not be the best if oil is left in the pan. Also, I don't recommend this method if you're using a heavy cast iron skillet.
- Next, return the pancake to the pan, uncooked side down, and top it with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder again.
- Cook again until the bottom is brown and the cheese melted.
- Remove from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into quarters, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with the dipping sauce of your choice, such as tomato sauce or a bowl of marinara.
Nutrition
Variations of this Recipe
What’s perfect about this recipe is that you can use it as a base and then adjust it to your taste.
Here are a few different options to add to your pasta pancake:
- Stir up an egg and add it after you’ve flipped your fried spaghetti for an omelet meets pasta twist.
- Add pre-cooked ground beef or turkey.
- Throw in some pre-cooked chopped veggies such as peas, spinach, or kale for a boost in nutrition.
More Leftover Pasta Recipes
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Crispy leftover pasta is proof that something can be better the next time around! A little olive oil and a nonstick pan are all you need. The key is to heat the oil in the pan before adding the pasta, then cook it over medium-high heat until it’s crispy. This is a great way to use up leftovers, and it’s delicious with a simple pesto sauce or the above Pomodoro sauce.
This recipe works best with leftover penne, farfalle, or any pasta that isn’t a noodle.
More Tips For Using Up Extra Ingredients
Recipes to Use Up Extra Marshmallows
Recipes to Use Up Leftover Shrimp
Recipes To Use Up Leftover Taco Meat
Recipes for Using Up Extra Eggs
Recipes to Use Up Leftover Sour Cream
Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet š
