20 Simple Leftover Pasta Recipes

Leftover pasta dishes are a great way to make the most out of your pasta meals, allowing you to use your favorite pasta dishes over a couple of days – reaching maximum enjoyment!

After all, who doesn’t love a huge plate of delicious pasta?

While pasta is typically viewed as a main meal, we have some exciting recipes that transform your pasta into an entirely new dish.

Plus, the beauty of pasta is that you can adjust any of these recipes to the noodle of your choosing.

So, take your leftovers out of the refrigerator and get ready to whip up something delicious for dinner the next day!

Let’s get straight into it.

1. Italian Spaghetti Salad

This is an attractive, fresh, Italian spaghetti salad that can be conveniently prepared the day before – plus, there is enough to feed a crowd!

Using leftover spaghetti noodles and plenty of vegetables, you’re rewarded with a healthy twist on the classic spaghetti bolognese.

The best part? It is incredibly simple to make. Since it’s best served cold, all you have to do is toss the ingredients together and allow it to chill in the refrigerator – it’s that simple!

2. Leftover Pasta Frittata

Looking to make the most out of last night’s meal? Then this pasta frittata recipe is for all those pasta lovers.

To make this recipe, you’ll want to start by warming last night’s pesto, puttanesca, primavera, or any other dish in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water.

Although, if you’re looking for a crispier effect, you can go with unsauced pasta, too.

In addition, all you’ll need is some parmesan cheese, eggs, olive oil, cheese, salt, and pepper – you’ll be rewarded with a cheesy, crispy, and delicious frittata large enough for the whole family.

3. Pizza Pasta Casserole

Perfect when you can’t choose which type of carb you want – why not have both? Well, this recipe lets you do just that!

The pizza pasta casserole recipe is ready in 20 minutes and is the ultimate comfort food.

In this recipe, you’ll find one pound of beef, onion, one pound of pasta, pepperoni, and one pound of mozzarella cheese combined together with two cups of pizza sauce.

Simply put, this recipe is sure to feed an army, or a load of hungry teenagers after matchday, too – you can guarantee there are going to be no leftovers.

4. Leftover Spaghetti Casserole

Calling all pasta lovers – you’re going to love this next recipe!

This leftover spaghetti casserole makes for a simple dinner using leftover spaghetti tossed in some pasta sauce and topped with plenty of cheese to create a golden brown, crispy-top masterpiece.

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be personalized to suit your requirements. Whether you’re using a different pasta, adding meats, veggies, or additional cheese – the choice is yours!

The fresh pasta sauce, mushrooms, and, of course, cheese, make it feel like you’re eating a completely new meal.

5. Italian Fried Pasta

Never heard of fried pasta? Then you’re in for a treat. This Italian fried pasta is cheesy, salty, crispy – and ridiculously delicious!

The best type of pasta for this recipe is curled spiral pasta – allowing some of these edges to brown and become crispy, while others remain soft and gooey.

In addition to the leftover pasta, all you’ll need are various seasonings and spices, and plenty of cheese.

If you’re looking for more protein, then add some diced salami on top – you’ll be rewarded with a well-seasoned, cheesy, garlicky dish that tastes incredible.

6. Leftover Pasta Fritters

Give your leftovers a makeover with this simple, four ingredient, pasta fritters recipe – you’ll be surprised at how delicious they taste!

When it comes to pasta, leftovers are almost always inevitable – we’re always making too much!

However, this recipe is a great option to use up any type of leftover pasta, in just 15 minutes, too.

This recipe keeps everything short and sweet, all you’ll need is two eggs, sauced pasta, olive oil, and some breadcrumbs.

When unsure what to make, you can always count on fritters.

7. Spaghetti Pie

If you easily get bored of eating the same recipe, then you’re going to love this dish. While it tastes like spaghetti bolognese, it is transformed into something different.

The recipe starts with the ‘pie crust’. Essentially, this is al dente spaghetti pasta combined with eggs, butter, and parmesan cheese. Using a deep dish, add the mixture and refrigerate until firm.

For the pie filling itself, you’ll find a combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, bell peppers, onion, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and seasonings for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Last, but by no means least, you’ll need to fill your pie crust. Here, you’ll create a layer of cottage cheese then top the meat mixture on top – bake for 30 minutes and enjoy!

8. Crispy Leftover Pasta

This crispy leftover pasta recipe is proof that sometimes things can be better the second time around!

For this convenient recipe, all you’ll need is a little olive oil, a nonstick pan, and your leftover pasta.

You’ll find yourself making pasta simply to use it in this recipe the next day!

All you have to do is pour in the oil, add then toss in the pasta. In approximately 10 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with warm, crunchy, scrumptious pasta.

9. Mac And Cheese Balls

Looking to make the ultimate holy trinity of fun food? Then you’ve come to the right place.

This recipe combined bite-sized bites, crispy, deep-fried goodness, and, of course, gooey cheese, to create these mouthwatering mac and cheese balls.

On the outside, they are deep-fried and crispy, however, in the middle, you’ll find delicious cheesy gooeyness that is irresistible.

When paired with a marinara sauce, you’ll have the perfect combination of flavors. Perfect for your next party, there are sure to be no more leftovers!

10. Spaghetti Sandwich

Believe it or not, this is one of the cleanest ways to eat spaghetti! Never heard of a spaghetti sandwich before. Then you’re in for a delicious surprise with this recipe.

Essentially, you have a regular grilled cheese sandwich, however, this is where the spaghetti makes things interesting.

Inside, you’ll find your sandwich stuffed with spaghetti and sauce.

When making this recipe, keep in mind that the thicker the bread, the better your sandwich will hold together.

Plus, you can make this recipe using any leftover pasta you have in the refrigerator – you can even add your leftover meatballs into the mix for some added protein.

11. Mac And Cheese Soup

This mac and cheese soup recipe is filling and hearty, with all your favorite classic man and cheese flavors – but in soup form! Perfect for chilly winter nights.

This is an extra creamy and thick mac and cheese soup packed with elbow macaroni and three different kinds of cheese!

The star of the show in this recipe is the base. It starts with a roux mixture that combines cream cheese and milk.

For some essential flavors, dry mustard and onion powder are added – don’t skip this step!

You’ll be rewarded with a filling soup that is the ultimate comfort food. For an added crunch, serve with crackers.

12. Sweet Pasta Casserole

This sweet pasta casserole is a childhood favorite and a major crowd-pleaser.

Just keep in mind that you can only use un-sauced pasta, however, any type of pasta can work here.

In addition, you’ll also need eggs, fine salt, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar.

You’ll be rewarded with a dish that is slightly sweet, eggy, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you’re looking for extra touches of sweetness, top your dish with whatever fruits you desire.

13. Peanut Pasta Salad

Give your spaghetti a vegan-friendly, ethnic, and spicy twist with this peanut pasta salad recipe.

The secret in the recipe is the homemade dressing.

This combines peanut butter, soy, sriracha sauce, ginger, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, water, and rice vinegar, and is topped with sesame seeds.

The salad itself is packed with plenty of vegetables and peanuts while providing a delightful crunch to the dish.

14. Mac And Cheese Muffins

Looking for a fun way to twist up your classic mac and cheese recipe, then you can’t go wrong with these mac and cheese muffins.

Baked in individual muffin tins, they contain everything you know and love about mac and cheese all within a bite-sized serving.

Perfect alongside a holiday soup, a party food treat, or a quick snack for the little ones. Be quick, they won’t be on the plate for long!

15. Spaghetti Lo Mein

Looking for an easy, yet delicious Chinese-inspired dinner to use your leftover pasta? Then you’re going to love this spaghetti lo mein.

Cooked spaghetti is tossed with a flavorful sauce and a combination of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger powder, garlic powder, and cooked carrots, pepper, and broccoli.

Taking just 20 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for those mid-week lunches and dinners.

16. Instant Noodle Cups

Generally, ramen bought from the store is packed with MSG. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you’ve come to the right place.

Not only does this recipe make the most of your leftovers but it tastes delicious, too.

Simply layer all your ingredients in a microwavable cup, then, when ready, pour in your boiling water and get ready to devour this meal.

17. Muffin Tin Spaghetti Nests

This recipe is the ultimate convenience food, and, since you’re using individual muffin tins, then make for the perfect party finger food!

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use whatever pasta you have left over, whether this is creamy or plain.

Plus, it is incredibly budget-friendly, only requires three ingredients – eggs, pasta, and cheese – and can be made in under 30 minutes.

18. Leftover Spaghetti And Meatball Panini

While this recipe may not be the cleanest dish, you’ll certainly want to get your hands in and dig into this dish after the first bite! When it tastes this good, who cares about getting a little dirty?!

Whether you’re using a skillet or panini press, you’ll be rewarded with a sandwich that is crunchy on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside.

19. Chocolate Spaghetti

This recipe is sure to be a hit among the children of your family! Who says pasta can only be a savory dish too?

For this recipe, all you need is cooked spaghetti, powdered sugar, cream cheese, chocolate chips, and some heavy cream.

All you have to do is heat the butter and cream cheese together in a pan, and whisk in the heavy cream and powdered sugar, before adding the chocolate chips which create the chocolate sauce.

The result will be a meal straight from a children’s movie!

20. Spaghetti Boats

This recipe transforms your leftover pasta into something incredible. Plus, all you need is a handful of ingredients.

All you need is a loaf of French bread, some garlic powder, butter, mozzarella cheese, and, of course, your pasta, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously hearty meal.

Bake the bread until golden brown, before adding the spaghetti and mozzarella to be baked once again and create a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

You can never go wrong with pasta – even if you’re using it as leftovers for the next day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to eat the same meal.

These recipes outlined provide you with a twist on some of your beloved recipes. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next leftover pasta meals.

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