An easy way to stretch leftovers into a deliciously new dinner, this family-friendly meal is quick to prepare and sure to become a favorite. Economical and easy to customize, too!
People often ask me if I spend my days cooking away in my kitchen. It’s a logical question. After all, I write about food and develop recipes!
The truth is, as much as I like to cook, I sometimes have trouble getting dinner on the table, too. So many aspects of my job keep me out of the kitchen, focusing on other tasks. Or I could be working on a new blondie recipe (hint, hint…coming soon!). Then, dinnertime rolls around and all I have is dessert. (Not that anyone here would mind eating dessert for dinner!)
I also happen to love leftovers. Some meals really do improve with age, and many can be repurposed in new and different ways. A friend of mine uses the term “intentional leftovers,” which is such a smart concept. Given hectic work schedules, kids’ activities, etc., some would call it survival!
Two cups of leftover pasta won’t feed my family, but when reinvented into this skillet pizza－a pasta frittata might be a more accurate description－it becomes more substantial. A simple tossed salad or green veggie on the side, and dinner is served.
For flavor variation, feel free to mix in a handful of sliced, black olives, some chopped pepperoni, or slivered basil. Also, gluten-free pasta may absolutely be used if needed.
Leftover Spaghetti Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 lightly packed cups leftover spaghetti (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the Parmesan cheese. Toss with the leftover spaghetti, making sure the spaghetti is fully covered with the egg mixture. (I do not add salt, as the Parmesan and sauce from the spaghetti provide ample flavor; you made add a sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired.)
- Heat the olive oil in a 9 or 10-inch skillet over medium heat. The skillet should be hot enough that a piece of spaghetti dropped into the pan sizzles. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into the pan and distribute it evenly, pressing down lightly. Cook approximately 7 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- To flip the pasta, carefully slide it onto a dinner plate. Cover with a second dinner plate and flip. (I think this is easier and safer than flipping directly from the hot skillet. I do this over the sink, taking care not to drip, as there will be residual oil that has not been absorbed by the noodles.) Slide the pasta back into the skillet, and cook the other side for 4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slide the pasta onto a serving platter, cut into wedges, and serve warm with a little extra cheese and/or sauce, if desired.
Notes
- I use spaghetti with the sauce already mixed in, and I recommend stirring the leftover sauce and noodles together before refrigerating. That way, the spaghetti is on the drier side, having absorbed most of the sauce. You could also make this recipe with no sauce, serving with extra marinara on the side. When cooking with plain noodles, a little provolone and chipped or thinly sliced salami are tasty additions.
To round out your spaghetti dinner, you may enjoy Amazing Parmesan Garlic Bread. Click on the recipe titles or the photos for the recipes.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is easy, meaty, and yields three full quarts…plenty to freeze or share!
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