Name: Leftover Pasta Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together); 2 eggs; 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended); 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

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Introduction

Leftover Pasta Fritters are a creative and delicious way to transform cold pasta into crispy, golden bites. Perfect as a snack or light meal, they combine familiar flavors with a satisfying crunch that’s sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a small stack of three thick, crispy fritters or patties on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface underneath. Each fritter has a dark golden-brown crust, showing a rough texture with visible thin strands, possibly shredded vegetables or noodles, giving them a crunchy look. The top fritter is sprinkled with small white flakes, likely salt or cheese, and finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh touch. In the background, more fritters are slightly out of focus, set against a soft, warm blurred background with candlelight. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together)
2 eggs

3/4 to 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Roughly chop the cold leftover pasta. You can place it in a bowl and use scissors to cut it into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Add the eggs, starting with 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, and grated cheese if using. Mix well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Take a small scoop of the mixture and flatten it slightly to test if it holds together. If it’s too loose, gradually add more breadcrumbs until the mixture is firm enough.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture (packed firmly) and place it in the pan. Use the bottom of the cup to gently press it into a 1 cm thick patty. Repeat until the pan is full but not overcrowded.
Step 6: Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side until dark brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on the other side.

Step 7: Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the mixture before frying.

Try different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharp Asiago for varied taste.
If your leftover pasta is very saucy, reduce the amount of added eggs or increase the breadcrumbs to maintain a good texture.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warming through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows six golden brown crispy fritters placed on white parchment paper on a round white plate. The fritters have a rough, textured surface with visible grated shreds, slightly darkened edges, and some charred spots, indicating they are well-cooked and crunchy. They are topped with small sprinkles of white grated cheese and green chopped herbs scattered lightly over them. A silver fork with a black handle holds a piece of one fritter in the bottom left corner. On the right side of the plate, a metal grater with a black handle rests partially on the parchment paper. The whole setup is on a wooden table, covered with a white gauzy cloth on the upper left and a lit candle in a glass holder on the upper right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pasta instead of leftovers?

While fresh pasta can be used, it’s best if it is cooked and thoroughly cooled with some sauce mixed in so the fritters hold together well.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fritters on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though frying will produce the crispiest results.