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Frittata di Pasta

Frittata di Pasta

Frittata di Pasta is a delightful Italian comfort food that turns leftover pasta into a golden, fluffy frittata with crispy edges and a tender interior. This versatile and practical dish is perfect for any meal of the day, combining the creaminess of eggs with savory cheese and fresh herbs to create a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Leftover cooked pasta (any shape, preferably spaghetti or penne) – about 2 cups
  • Eggs – 4 large
  • Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated – ½ cup
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional) – ½ cup
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), chopped – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • Vegetables (e.g., sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes) – ½ cup
  • Cooked meats (e.g., pancetta, sausage, shredded chicken) – ½ cup
  • Chili flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers – ¼ teaspoon or to taste
  • Additional cheeses (fontina, ricotta, goat cheese) – ¼ to ½ cup
  • Other fresh herbs (thyme, chives, tarragon) – 1-2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Eggs: Start with leftover pasta at room temperature or fully cooled. In a large bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese along with chopped fresh herbs. Gently combine the pasta into the egg mixture, ensuring every strand or piece is evenly coated.
  2. Heat and Oil the Pan: Warm a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil. Make sure the oil coats the entire surface evenly to achieve a crispy and golden crust on the frittata.
  3. Cook the Frittata Mixture: Pour the pasta and egg mixture into the hot pan, spreading it evenly. Reduce the heat to low and cook gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the bottom to set and crisp without stirring.
  4. Finish Cooking: To cook the top evenly, either carefully flip the frittata by sliding it onto a plate and inverting it back into the pan or place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  5. Serve Warm: Once fully cooked, slide the frittata onto a serving plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes to firm up. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Use day-old pasta for better texture and flavor absorption.
  • Do not overbeat the eggs to keep the frittata fluffy rather than rubbery.
  • Cook on low heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Cast-iron skillets provide the best even golden crust.
  • Check doneness by ensuring the center is just set before removing from heat.
  • Let the frittata rest before slicing to improve texture and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Frittata di Pasta, leftover pasta recipe, Italian comfort food, pasta frittata, gluten free pasta dish, easy frittata