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Frittata di Pasta

Frittata di Pasta

Frittata di Pasta is a comforting Italian dish that transforms leftover cooked pasta into a rich and savory frittata. Made with simple pantry staples like eggs, cheese, and olive oil, this versatile recipe can be enjoyed at any meal and customized with various veggies, meats, and cheeses. Quick to prepare and easy to adapt, it’s a delicious way to reduce food waste while creating a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 cups cooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • 1 cup sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers (for vegetable-packed version)
  • 1/2 cup cooked pancetta, sausage, or leftover chicken (for meat lovers)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese (for cheese swap)
  • Red chili flakes or diced jalapeños, to taste (for spicy kick)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish and freshness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta Mixture: Start with your leftover pasta at room temperature, tossing it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with grated cheese, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned, to infuse the oil with flavor.
  3. Combine and Cook: Add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the garlic-infused oil. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it out gently and pressing down with a spatula. Reduce heat to low and cook without stirring for 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly runny.
  4. Finish Under the Broiler: Place the skillet under the oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the top is golden brown and fully set. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool briefly before slicing.

Notes

  • Use day-old pasta for better texture and flavor absorption.
  • A non-stick oven-safe skillet prevents sticking and eases serving.
  • Keep the stove heat low during cooking to avoid rubbery eggs.
  • Allow the frittata to rest a few minutes after cooking to firm up.
  • Try combining parmesan with milder cheeses like mozzarella for balanced flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Frittata di Pasta, leftover pasta recipe, Italian frittata, pasta frittata, easy pasta recipe, gluten-free pasta frittata