Fried spaghetti is a crispy and flavorful dish made with leftover spaghetti and your favorite toppings! This quick and easy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is crispy, creamy, and delicious!
Fried spaghetti is a savory and crunchy twist on a classic Italian dish! It is made with spaghetti noodles that are stir-fried until golden brown and crispy. The noodles are then tossed in a sauce of your choice, such as tomato sauce, pesto, or Alfredo sauce. Fried spaghetti is a delicious and easy 20-minute dish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fried spaghetti is quick and easy to make.
- The whole recipe can be made in one pan. It only takes about 20 minutes.
- It is affordable. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive.
- This spaghetti dish is versatile.
- Customize the dish to your liking by using different sauces or toppings.
- It is a family favorite. Great for kids and adults!
- This recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian. It can be easily made gluten-free too.
- Check out this Chicken Spaghetti for another Italian-inspired dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for fried spaghetti. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
We like using whole wheat spaghetti. If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti, spaghetti squash, or hearts of palm pasta.
Olive oil helps make the pasta crispy. Replace with avocado oil if desired.
Finely chop the onion.
Minced garlic adds a delicious Italian flavor.
Thinly slice the bell pepper. Use any color.
Tomato paste helps thicken the sauce.
Dried Italian herbs add flavor. We love oregano, basil, and thyme. If you have fresh herbs, even better!
For a spicy flavor, add in some red pepper flakes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Taste & Texture
Fried spaghetti has a savory flavor and crunchy texture.
The noodles are cooked until golden brown and crispy. The sauce gives the dish a rich and flavorful taste.
Overall, this dish tastes like spaghetti with spaghetti sauce, but with a deeper flavor.
How to Make
Step 1
First, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step 4
Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Step 5
Add the tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well coated.
Step 6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the spaghetti and ingredients are well combined.
Step 7
Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes to heat the spaghetti and blend the flavors.
Step 8
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 9
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 10
Lastly, serve the fried spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips to make the best fried spaghetti.
Cook the spaghetti to al dente or use leftover spaghetti noodles.
Do not try to use uncooked pasta.
Drain the noodles well before stir frying. This will prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Cook over medium heat. This helps the noodles cook evenly and become crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some ways to switch up the flavors of your fried spaghetti.
Use another sauce, like pesto or Alfredo sauce.
Add your favorite protein, such as ground beef, sausage, or chicken.
Add in other vegetables, like mushrooms, olives, or broccoli.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.
How to Serve & Store
Fried spaghetti is best served hot.
If desired, garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply follow the recipe instructions and then cool the dish completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Do not use dry noodles for this recipe. Cook them beforehand.
To make this recipe vegan, omit any cheese and choose a dairy free sauce.
Use enough oil to prevent burning. In addition, cook with sauce and veggies.
Sure! Use cooked ziti or penne if desired.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the pasta with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this spaghetti stir fry recipe.
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