Pasta Frittata
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A Pasta Frittata is an Italian classic. Traditionally made from leftover pasta, this version transforms noodles, eggs, and a handful of flavorful add-ins like greens and bacon, into a golden, cheesy, sliceable dish that works just as beautifully for brunch as for a weeknight dinner.
QUICK TAKE:
Crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and endlessly adaptable, this Pasta Frittata is a cook’s best friend. I used spaghetti, but use whatever pasta you have on hand. Then, fold in cheese, herbs, or vegetables, and let the oven do the rest. It’s comforting, economical, and precisely the kind of recipe that proves good cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
This is a great way to use up leftover spaghetti such as my Spaghetti Pie with Three Cheeses!
QUICK TIPS:
- Use cooked, cooled pasta. Warm pasta can scramble the eggs. Leftover pasta straight from the fridge is ideal, but if using freshly cooked pasta, cool it under cold running tap water and let it thoroughly drain.
- Pasta absorbs seasoning, so season the eggs generously.
- Endlessly adaptable, think sautéed onions, garlic, pancetta, sausage, olives, roasted vegetables, or fresh herbs.
SERVE WITH:
- Chopped Kale Salad
- Roasted Pepper Salad
- Marinated Tomatoes
- Tuscan Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad
More great breakfast and brunch recipes:
- Savory Breakfast Strudel with Eggs, Sausage and Swiss Chard
- Spinach, Leek and Feta Cheese Frittata
- Crustless Quiche with Sausage, Bacon and Ham
- Four Cheese Strata with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Get all my pasta recipes at Pasta Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen.
Pasta Frittata
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
- Salt
- 1 pound (2 bunches) green kale, or other greens such as broccoli rabe, Swiss chard, tough stems removed and coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded smoked Mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with some of the olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water, drain again and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the kale (or other green) and cook, tossing with tongs, until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir. Let cool.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add ricotta and beat until fairly smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti, kale, black pepper to taste, 1 cup shredded smoked cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, bacon, crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix well.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until heated through and spaghetti is starting to brown in places. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Smoked Gouda can be substituted for the Mozzarella.
- Pancetta can be used in place of bacon.
- Make it your own! Add sauteed onions, sausage, roasted vegetables or fresh herbs.
- Use cooked, cooled pasta. Warm pasta can scramble the eggs. Leftover pasta straight from the fridge works best; if freshly cooked, rinse under cold water and drain well.
- Pasta absorbs seasoning, so be generous with salt and pepper in the eggs.
- Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Let sit out at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You may need to add additional baking time.
- Cool, then wrap securely. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, then bake as directed. You may need to add additional baking time.
- If you have leftovers, cut them into squares or rectangles. Place in a small baking dish, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons water, then reheat covered in a 350-degree oven or toaster oven.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
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