🇮🇹 Italian · Main Dish
🍝 Frittata di Maccheroni
Frittata di Maccheroni
A clever Neapolitan way to transform leftover pasta into a new meal, binding it with eggs and cheese and pan-frying until both sides turn crisp and golden.
Born from resourcefulness rather than a dedicated recipe, frittata di maccheroni is a cherished way to give leftover pasta new life, and Neapolitan families often keep this dish in mind specifically when cooking slightly more pasta than needed the night before.
Ingredients
Equipment: Large non-stick skillet, Plate for flipping
- 400 g (14 oz) cooked leftover pasta (spaghetti or similar), ideally with some sauce still on it
- 4 eggs
- 80 g (1 cup) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino
- 100 g (1 cup) diced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl with the grated cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the leftover pasta to the egg mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
- Fold in the diced mozzarella or provolone if using.
- Warm the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour in the pasta mixture, pressing it into an even layer.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until the bottom is golden and set.
- Carefully flip using a large plate, sliding the frittata back into the pan to cook the other side.
- Cook for another 6–8 minutes until both sides are golden and the center is fully set.
- Slide onto a board, let rest briefly, then slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef Tips
- Pasta already coated in a bit of sauce works especially well, adding extra flavor to the finished frittata.
- A wide, good-quality non-stick pan makes the flipping process much easier and less risky.
- This dish is equally good warm, at room temperature, or even cold the next day, making it excellent for packed lunches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little egg to properly bind the pasta together, causing it to fall apart when sliced.
- Flipping before the bottom has properly set, resulting in a messy transfer.
- Cooking over heat that's too high, browning the outside before the center is fully cooked.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- A good source of protein from the eggs and cheese, and a practical way to reduce food waste.
Cultural Note
Frittata di maccheroni exemplifies the resourceful, no-waste spirit of Neapolitan home cooking, turning yesterday's pasta into a satisfying dish in its own right.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; excellent eaten cold or reheated.
Reheating: Reheat in a dry skillet, or enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator.
Serve with: A simple green salad