Why You’ll Love this Pasta & Egg Frittata
When your fridge is full of leftovers and you’re scratching your head about what to make for dinner, this Pasta & Egg Frittata is your delicious solution. I’m talking about transforming yesterday’s pasta into today’s showstopper with minimal effort.
What’s not to love? It’s versatile (use whatever cheese and herbs you have on hand), economical (goodbye, food waste), and ready in under 20 minutes. The crispy edges give way to a creamy center where the pasta strands nestle among fluffy eggs and melted cheese. Heaven on a plate.
Serve it warm for dinner with a simple salad, or at room temperature for lunch the next day. Can’t finish it all? It refrigerates beautifully for quick breakfasts. Comfort food that multitasks? That’s my kind of recipe.
What Ingredients are in Pasta & Egg Frittata?
This delightful pasta and egg frittata combines the comfort of pasta with the protein-packed goodness of eggs to create a versatile dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Think of it as the ultimate way to transform your leftover pasta into something new and exciting.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how the ingredients work together to create layers of flavor.
- 6 eggs
- 3 tablespoons cream
- 1 cup grated cheese of your choice (Parmesan, Swiss, or Cheddar work wonderfully)
- 4 cups cooked leftover pasta (penne, spaghetti, or whatever you have on hand)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
What makes this frittata recipe so adaptable is that you can customize it based on what’s already in your refrigerator. Got some leftover roasted vegetables or bits of cooked chicken? Toss them in! The recipe suggests adding about 1/2 cup of leftovers like cubed meat or diced sautéed vegetables to make it even more substantial. Just remember that the pasta, eggs, and cheese form the foundation, while the additional ingredients are there to enhance and personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
How to Make this Pasta & Egg Frittata
Making this frittata is wonderfully simple, and it’s a perfect way to transform leftover pasta into something completely new. Start by whisking together 6 eggs and 3 tablespoons of cream in a large bowl until well combined. Then gently fold in 1 cup of grated cheese of your choice (Parmesan, Swiss, or cheddar all work beautifully), 4 cups of your leftover cooked pasta, 1-2 tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. The way these ingredients come together creates such a comforting aroma—who doesn’t love the smell of eggs and cheese? For the best pasta texture in your frittata, consider making fresh pasta with a premium pasta maker machine for an authentic Italian experience.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), pour in your egg and pasta mixture, spreading it evenly across the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 7 to 8 minutes, until you notice the edges starting to brown and pull away from the sides. Now comes the fun part—flipping! Slide the frittata onto a large plate, then carefully invert it back into the pan. This maneuver might take some practice, but even if it breaks a little, it’ll still taste amazing. Continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the second side is golden brown. The pasta strands create these wonderful crispy edges that are absolutely divine.
Once cooked through, remove your frittata from the pan and cut it into wedges. You can serve it warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way. Want to make it even more substantial? You can absolutely customize this recipe by adding about 1/2 cup of leftovers like cubed chicken, ham, or sautéed vegetables. This versatile dish works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the crispy pasta bits contrasting with the tender eggy interior creates a texture that’s simply irresistible.
Pasta & Egg Frittata Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest joys of this pasta and egg frittata recipe lies in its incredible flexibility for substitutions and variations. I can’t think of a more forgiving dish for using up leftovers in your fridge.
Short on Parmesan? Swap in mozzarella, gouda, or even feta for a tangy twist. The pasta choices are endless too—broken lasagna sheets, farfalle, or even ramen noodles, why not?
For protein variations, consider adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or flaked salmon. Vegetable possibilities? Sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, roasted red peppers, or those lonely asparagus spears hiding in your crisper drawer.
Herbs make all the difference, so try rosemary with potatoes, dill with fish, or oregano for a Mediterranean vibe.
What to Serve with Pasta & Egg Frittata
While a hearty pasta and egg frittata can certainly stand on its own as a complete meal, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the dining experience to new heights. I love serving mine with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil—the peppery greens and bright acidity cut through the richness of the eggs and cheese perfectly.
For brunch gatherings, why not add a platter of roasted cherry tomatoes? Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar before roasting until they burst. Divine.
A crusty loaf of Italian bread is another no-brainer companion. And if you’re feeling fancy, roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms add an earthy element that transforms this humble dish into something restaurant-worthy.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the perfect sides, this pasta and egg frittata recipe has become a cornerstone in my kitchen arsenal. It’s the ultimate blank canvas, ready to transform your leftover pasta into something magical.
The beauty lies in its versatility—swap cheeses, try different herbs, or toss in whatever bits of vegetables or proteins are lingering in your fridge.
What I love most about frittatas is their forgiving nature. Didn’t flip it perfectly? No problem, it’ll still taste amazing. Need a quick dinner, hearty breakfast, or impressive brunch option? This dish answers all those needs with minimal effort.
