Easiest Fried Spaghetti Recipe 

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 recipe—if you could call it that since it’s sooooo easy—so 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 😉

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
  • 1/2 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.

fried-spaghetti-being-dipped-into-marinara
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Easiest Fried Spaghetti Recipe

The easiest and most delicious way to use leftover spaghetti or pasta noodles hanging out in your fridge.
Prep Time1 min
Cook Time6 mins
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: fried spaghetti, fried spaghetti recipe, pan fried spaghetti
Servings: 2 serving
Calories: 701kcal

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
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ½ 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

Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 384mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 316mg | Iron: 2mg

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. 
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More Leftover Pasta Recipes

Easy Tuna Pasta

This creamy tuna pasta recipe is incredibly easy to make and so delicious. It’s also the perfect pasta recipe when using up any pasta leftovers since it calls for cooked pasta. The creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, and the tuna gives it a nice flavor. 

I’m a huge fan of this recipe. And since it’s a casserole, you don’t need to worry about it looking pretty. Since everything in the mixture will be thrown in one dish,  I’ll go out on a limb here and say if you have two different types of cooked pasta in the fridge, use them!

Penne Pasta Pomodoro

The dish is simple but flavorful, containing only a few ingredients. Penne pasta is cooked al-dente and then mixed with a homemade tomato sauce. Fresh basil leaves are then stirred in, giving the pasta a fragrant and savory flavor. The result is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

This Pomodoro sauce was a big hit in our home the first time I made it. Your bland leftover regular spaghetti will thank you! It also makes a great dipping sauce for fried spaghetti.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s just something about chicken noodle soup that is so comforting and satisfying. Maybe it’s the warmth it provides on a cold day, or maybe it’s the memories of being comforted when we’re children and sick. Whatever the reason, chicken noodle soup is always a welcome dish.

Have leftover pasta? Throw it this quick and easy soup recipe.

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Mongolian Beef Noodles

Mongolian beef noodles combine two popular dishes into one tasty meal. The savory beef is paired with the slightly sweet and tangy sauce over a bed of noodles. This is an excellent dish for a group, as it can be easily doubled or tripled. It also reheats well, so it is perfect for leftovers.

Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi chicken is a simple but tasty dish that can be made in a pressure cooker in just a few minutes. You’ll need some chicken breasts, pepperoncini peppers, and Ranch seasoning. 

The resulting dish is spicy and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s also just begging to be spooned over a hearty carbohydrate like leftover spaghetti.

Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Pasta 

Alfredo pasta is a classic dish that never goes out of style. The creamy sauce and pasta are the perfect combination for a hearty and comforting meal. 

This recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few simple ingredients. The McCormick Pasta Seasoning Blend adds delicious flavor to the sauce, making it even more irresistible. Serve this dish with a salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that your family will love.

BBQ Chicken Bacon Pasta

I know I can’t be the only one out there that is obsessed with BBQ sauce, right? On meat, burgers, and even pizza, it’s perfect. For this dish, chicken is cooked in a delicious BBQ sauce and then combined with bacon bits, pasta, and cheese. The result is a fantastic and flavorful meal you’ll crave regularly.

 Spicy Peanut Chili Noodles

These noodles are so good! The peanut butter and chili sauce give them a great flavor and heat. The ginger, garlic, and scallions add a lot of flavor too. I like to top mine with cilantro and sesame seeds, but they’re delicious without them too.

Crispy Pasta

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

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Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉

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