4-Ingredient Fried Spaghetti

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You’re about to learn how to make a yummy pasta dish with just 4 ingredients. This fried spaghetti recipe takes only 17 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty but don’t have much time.

You’ll need cooked spaghetti, olive oil, marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese. The dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta and make it exciting again. You can even add some mozzarella if you want it extra cheesy.

Exact Ingredients

This fried spaghetti recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Let’s look at the details and some possible swaps.

Possible Substitutes

For the olive oil, you can use any cooking oil you like. Vegetable oil or avocado oil work well too. If you don’t have marinara, try tomato sauce or even ketchup in a pinch. No Parmesan? Grated Romano or Pecorino cheese are good stand-ins.

Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can replace regular pasta. You can also use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine. For a protein boost, mix in some cooked ground beef or turkey.

To make it vegan, skip the cheese or use a plant-based version. Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Sprinkle in Italian herbs or garlic powder to amp up the taste. Red pepper flakes give it a nice kick if you like spice.

Instructions

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. If using leftover spaghetti, skip this step.

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add cooked spaghetti and 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Toss to coat noodles.

Spread spaghetti evenly in the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes until the bottom gets crispy and brown.

Add 4 more tablespoons of sauce on top. Flip the spaghetti with a spatula. Fry another 4-5 minutes to toast the other side.

Pour in remaining sauce and toss to coat. Take off the heat and mix in parmesan cheese.

If you want, add mozzarella and stir until melted. Serve your fried spaghetti hot with extra cheese and herbs on top if you like.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use a large non-stick pan for best results. This helps your spaghetti get nice and crispy.

Cook your pasta al dente before frying. It keeps the texture just right and stops it from getting mushy.

Try using leftover spaghetti for this recipe. It’s a great way to give new life to yesterday’s pasta.

Add some veggies or cooked meat to make it a heartier meal. Chopped bell peppers, onions, or ground beef work well.

Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend can add extra flavor and gooeyness.

To store leftovers, let the fried spaghetti cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, use a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking and help it crisp up again.

You can also freeze fried spaghetti. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months.