Crispy Leftover Pasta Fritters - No Waste Meal!
Transform cold leftover pasta and eggs into delicious pasta fritters with crispy panko and Parmesan cheese.
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
Instructions
- Roughly chop the cold leftover pasta. A pair of kitchen scissors works great for this!
- In a bowl, combine the chopped pasta, eggs, 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- 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.
- 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.