Leftover Pasta Fritters

Deliciously crisp on the outside and bursting with savory flavor inside, these leftover pasta fritters transform your uneaten spaghetti or penne into a satisfying bite-sized snack. They come together in just about 30 minutes, providing a delightful way to repurpose dinner remnants while adding an extra layer of texture with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you find yourself with an abundance of leftover pasta and no idea what to do with it. These fritters make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a hearty side dish alongside a salad. You can even prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They make excellent use of cold leftovers, reducing food waste.
• Enjoy the crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta.
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a last-minute dish.
• Versatile and customizable with different cheeses and seasonings.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to craft these flavorful fritters.

For the Fritters

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

Adjust breadcrumbs based on moisture of pasta.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Replace panko with regular breadcrumbs.
• Use any leftover cheese you have.
• Substitute olive oil with any neutral oil.
• Add herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.

How to Make It

Start by expertly combining your ingredients into a mixture that will hold together beautifully.

1. Chop

Roughly chop the pasta, cutting it into smaller pieces for easier mixing. Use scissors in a bowl to make this process faster.

2. Mix

Add the eggs, breadcrumbs (start with 3/4 cup), and cheese to the bowl with the chopped pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, combining everything until incorporated.

3. Test

Scoop up a ball of the mixture and flatten it slightly to test if it holds together. If not, gradually add more breadcrumbs until the mixture binds.

4. Heat

Heat olive oil in a fry pan over medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough for frying.

5. Form

Scoop a level 1/3 cup of the mixture and drop it into the pan. Use the bottom of the cup to press the mixture down to about 1 cm (2/5") thickness.

6. Cook

Cook the first side for about 2 minutes or until it turns dark brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side until crispy, which should take 1 to 1.5 minutes.

7. Drain

Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with any remaining batter.

8. Serve

Serve the fritters immediately, garnishing with finely chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Yes, to keep longer, freeze individually.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fritters, which prevents them from being greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will reduce the temperature of the oil and impact crispiness.
• Adjust seasoning based on the flavor of your pasta sauce for better taste.
• Use a non-stick pan for easier flipping and cleaning.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a delightful meal.
• Enjoy as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.
• Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.