Go Back
Crispy Leftover Pasta Fritters - No Waste Meal! Pasta fritters: Make these easy, crispy fritters in 15 minutes using leftover pasta. A delicious zero-waste meal

Crispy Leftover Pasta Fritters - No Waste Meal!

Transforming leftovers into delicious meals is an art form, and these pasta fritters are a testament to that. Utilizing cold, leftover pasta, this recipe offers a brilliant solution for reducing food waste while creating an incredibly satisfying dish. Whether you have spaghetti, penne, or farfalle, these fritters are a versatile way to give your pasta a second life. Perfect for a quick lunch, a fun appetizer, or even a weeknight dinner side, these pasta fritters are surprisingly simple to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together), packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Roughly chop the cold leftover pasta. A pair of kitchen scissors works great for this!
  2. In a bowl, combine the chopped pasta, eggs, 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix everything well. Test by scooping a small amount and gently flattening it. If it doesn't hold its shape, add a bit more panko breadcrumbs until it does.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Scoop about 1/3 cup of the pasta mixture per fritter, packing it well into the scoop. Gently release the mixture into the hot oil, using the scoop to flatten them into about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thickness. Cook in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  6. Fry the first side for about 2 minutes, until deep golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the fritters and cook the second side for another 1 to 1.5 minutes until equally crispy.
  7. Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired!

Notes

- Ensure your leftover pasta is cold and well-mixed with sauce; this helps the fritters bind properly.
- Adjust the breadcrumbs as needed; the amount can vary depending on the moisture content of your leftover pasta.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or a pinch of garlic powder to the mixture.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, aioli, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.