Description
Frittata di Pasta is a classic Italian dish that transforms leftover pasta into a golden, hearty, and flavorful meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple and versatile recipe combines basic pantry staples with eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs to create a satisfying, textured dish that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (spaghetti or penne), cooled and well drained
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- 1/4 cup cooked pancetta, bacon, or Italian sausage
- Cheese alternatives: feta, goat cheese, or provolone
- Herbs variations: rosemary, thyme, or chives
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pasta Base: If using leftover pasta, make sure it is well drained and at room temperature to avoid excess moisture. If cooking fresh pasta, cook until al dente, then drain and slightly cool before mixing with other ingredients.
- Whisk the Eggs and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the eggs with grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk well until fully blended and slightly frothy to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Flavorings: Add the cooked pasta, finely chopped onion or garlic, and fresh herbs into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly so that every strand of pasta is coated and all flavors are evenly distributed.
- Cook the Frittata on the Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a non-stick, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour the pasta and egg mixture into the pan, spreading evenly to form a flat layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges set and turn golden brown.
- Finish Cooking in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the frittata is puffed, cooked through, and the top is set and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the frittata to cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up before slicing. This helps with easier serving and reveals a beautiful golden crust with a soft interior.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; use the right size to ensure even cooking without making the frittata too thick or thin.
- Mix the pasta and eggs thoroughly for consistent texture and flavor throughout.
- Use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese to elevate the dish’s taste.
- Preheat the oven before finishing the frittata to get a nice crust on top.
- Let the frittata rest a few minutes before slicing to improve texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of frittata
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Frittata di Pasta, leftover pasta recipe, Italian frittata, pasta frittata, easy pasta dishes, make-ahead meals, gluten-free pasta recipe
