Italian spaghetti frittata, known in Italy as frittata di pasta or frittata di maccheroni, is a traditional dish from Naples, in the Campania region of Southern Italy.

This authentic Italian spaghetti frittata is one of the best leftover pasta recipes you can make. Originally created as a clever way to reuse leftover spaghetti, it can be prepared with almost any type of pasta you have on hand.

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover spaghetti, this recipe is the perfect solution: simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

Today, it’s often made from scratch as well, using fresh ingredients and customizable additions like pancetta, cheese, or even a bit of tomato sauce.

Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or quick meals, this Italian spaghetti frittata can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or cold — making it one of the most practical easy Italian lunch ideas.

What is Italian Spaghetti Frittata?

Italian spaghetti frittata is a rustic and satisfying dish made by mixing cooked pasta with eggs, cheese, and other flavourful ingredients, then pan-frying it until golden and crispy on the outside.

It’s similar to an omelette, but heartier. Unlike many omelettes, the traditional Italian frittata is usually made without adding milk, resulting in a more compact texture. It is typically cooked in a non-stick frying pan, then flipped using a plate to cook evenly on both sides — a technique that gives it its signature golden crust.

One of its best features is its flexibility: you can add ingredients like salame, pancetta, or prosciutto, along with different types of cheese, making every version slightly different and just as delicious.

 

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 20-25 mins

  • 300 g spaghetti (about 10.5 oz, or ~3/4 lb) — or any pasta, including whole wheat
  • 100 g fresh mozzarella (about 3.5 oz, well drained) or scamorza (no need to drain)
  • 50 ml whole milk (about 3 tablespoons, optional)
  • 50 g grated Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese (about 1/2 cup)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 4 slices salame or about 100 g / 3.5 oz pancetta (cut into cubes and pre-fried)
  • 2–3 tablespoons leftover tomato sauce (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

 

  • Ingredient Variations

    One of the best things about Italian spaghetti frittata is how flexible it is.

    • You can use any type of pasta, including leftovers or a mix of regular and whole wheat
    • Swap mozzarella with scamorza for a deeper, slightly smoky flavour
    • Add pancetta, salame, or prosciutto depending on what you have
    • Use different cheeses such as Parmigiano, Pecorino, or a mix
    • A bit of leftover tomato sauce adds extra flavour and moisture

    • along with different types of cheese, making every version slightly different and just as delicious.

How to Make Italian Spaghetti Frittata

  1. Cook the pasta
    Bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
  2. Prepare the ingredients
    Dice the mozzarella (well drained) or scamorza.
    Cut the salame or use pre-fried pancetta cubes.
  3. Cook the pancetta (if using)
    If using pancetta, cook it in a pan until golden and crispy, then set aside.
  4. Mix the eggs and filling
    In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
    Add grated cheese, milk (if using), parsley, diced cheese, pancetta or salame, and tomato sauce.
    Season with salt and black pepper, then mix well.
  5. Combine with pasta
    Drain the pasta and add it to the egg mixture.
    Stir thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cook the frittata
    Heat the EVOO in a non-stick frying pan.
    Pour in the mixture and cook on high heat for 2 minutes, then lower the heat.
    Cook for about 5 minutes without stirring.
  7. Flip and finish cooking
    Use a lid or a large plate to flip the frittata.
    Cook the other side for another 5 minutes until a golden crust forms.

A Perfect Leftover Pasta Recipe

Italian spaghetti frittata is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes with leftover pasta.

Instead of reheating plain spaghetti, you can transform it into a crispy, flavorful dish by simply adding eggs, cheese, and a few extra ingredients. It’s a great way to reduce food waste while creating something completely new and satisfying.

Whether you use leftover pasta or cook it fresh, the result is always rich, hearty, and full of flavour.

How to Serve

Italian spaghetti frittata is best served at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, packed lunches, or casual gatherings.

It also tastes great cold the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead pasta recipe and one of the most convenient picnic food ideas.

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