Spaghetti Frittata: A Delicious One-Pan Wonder
This Spaghetti Frittata is the ultimate Italian comfort food, perfect for a satisfying meal any time of the day. Packed with rich flavors of smoky pancetta, creamy cheeses, and the freshness of thyme, this frittata makes a hearty one-pan meal. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, it’s the ideal dish for brunch, dinner, or even a delightful picnic snack. The crispy edges and tender, flavorful interior make it a dish that everyone will love.
Category: One-Dish Meals
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 350g |
| Eggs | 5 |
| Whole milk | 100g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 50g |
| Smoked scamorza cheese (cubed) | 100g |
| Smoked pancetta (cubed) | 50g |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Freshly ground black pepper | A pinch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Garlic clove | 1 (peeled) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the pasta: Begin by filling a large saucepan with salted water and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook it until it is very al dente. This is important as the pasta will continue cooking in the frittata, so it should be slightly undercooked at this stage. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
-
-
Prepare the pancetta: While the pasta is cooking, take the pancetta and cut it into small cubes. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed pancetta and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns crispy and golden brown. This will infuse the oil with a smoky flavor that will season the frittata. Once done, remove the pancetta from the pan and set it aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
-
Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, crack the five eggs and whisk them together with the whole milk. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Next, strip the leaves from the thyme sprig and add them to the egg mixture, along with the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and the cubes of smoked scamorza cheese. Stir everything well to combine.
-
Combine pasta and egg mixture: Once the pasta is drained and slightly cooled, add it to the egg mixture along with the sautéed pancetta. Stir everything carefully to ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the egg mixture and the cheese is evenly distributed. The warm pasta will begin to absorb some of the egg mixture, which helps create a cohesive texture in the frittata.
-
Cook the frittata: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the peeled garlic clove to the pan and sauté it for a minute to infuse the oil with flavor. Remove the garlic clove before adding the pasta mixture into the pan. Spread the pasta evenly in the pan using a spatula, making sure the pasta is well distributed.
-
Set the base: Allow the frittata to cook for about 1 minute on high heat. This will help the base set and become golden and slightly crispy. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the frittata cook for another 15 minutes. During this time, the eggs will cook through, and the cheese will melt, creating a rich and tender texture.
-
Flip the frittata: After 15 minutes, it’s time to flip the frittata. Gently shake the pan to check if the frittata has loosened from the bottom. Once confirmed, place a large plate or flat lid over the pan. Carefully flip the pan to invert the frittata onto the plate. Return the pan to the heat and slide the frittata back into the pan to cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden.
-
Serve and enjoy: Once both sides of the frittata are golden brown and the center is firm, slide the frittata onto a cutting board and cut it into wedges. Serve it warm or at room temperature, either as a main dish or as part of a buffet spread.
Tips for Perfecting Your Spaghetti Frittata
- Use leftover pasta: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover spaghetti. If you have some pasta from the night before, simply toss it into the egg mixture and proceed as usual.
- Adjust the cheese: Feel free to swap out the scamorza for another cheese of your choice. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a bit of ricotta can give the frittata a different but equally delicious texture and flavor.
- Herb variations: If thyme isn’t available, you can use other fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or basil for a personalized twist.
- Vegetable additions: You can also add vegetables such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the frittata.
This Spaghetti Frittata is more than just a simple dish—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together in a rich, comforting meal. Its versatility allows for endless variations, and it’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired dish with simple ingredients that are often already in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as a hearty lunch, this frittata will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Perfect for any occasion, Spaghetti Frittata is both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy this delightful one-pan wonder with friends and family or savor it as a quick and satisfying meal.
