Easy Leftover Pasta Frittata (crispy & Cheesy)
Transform yesterday's noodles into a golden, crispy Italian classic. This Frittata di maccheroni features a savory Parmesan-Panko crust and a tender, custardy center perfect for brunch.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Oven-safe pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine or other long pasta (or about 1/2 pound cooked pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced pancetta, bacon or prosciutto, optional
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the pasta and pan
- If using leftover pasta, chop it into shorter pieces. If cooking from dry, boil in salted water until just firmer than al dente, then drain and toss with half the butter or oil.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In an oven-safe non-stick skillet, melt the remaining butter or oil over medium-high heat. If using pancetta or bacon, sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp.
Mix and shape the frittata
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with half the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Fold the pasta into the egg mixture until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the hot skillet. Smooth the top gently, leaving a few pasta ends poking up to create crunchy edges during baking.
Finish with the crust and bake
- Scatter the remaining Parmesan over the top. Cook on the stovetop over medium-low heat just until the bottom begins to firm up.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
Reheating Tip: To avoid rubbery eggs, reheat slices in the microwave at 50% power or in a covered non-stick skillet with a teaspoon of water to steam them gently.
Texture Tip: For the best contrast, leave some pasta strands exposed on top before baking; they will toast into irresistible crunchy bits.
Temperature Tip: If using chilled leftovers, let the pasta come closer to room temperature before mixing with the eggs to ensure the frittata cooks evenly.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.