What is frittata di pasta?

Frittata di pasta, also known as pasta frittata, is an Italian dish made by mixing leftover pasta (especially spaghetti or maccheroni) with beaten eggs and then cooking the mixture in a pan. The dish is similar to an omelette, but with the added ingredient of cooked pasta.

You can add a tasty tomato sauce, diced vegetables, meats or cheese to the mixture before cooking for extra flavor to this traditional recipe.

It is neither a pasta first course nor a classic omelette to be served as a second course, it is a mouth-watering stand-alone dish that must be enjoyed strictly in slices.

A typical Neapolitan dish, grandmothers, aunts and mothers have kept the secret alive of the perfect spaghetti omelette, to be eaten on several occasions: an ingenious way to recycle leftover pasta from the night before.

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT SPAGETTI FRITTATA?

Here are some expert tips for cooking a pasta omelette:

1. Use leftover pasta: Frittata di pasta is a great way to use up leftover pasta. The pasta should be cooked al dente before adding it to the egg mixture.

2. Use the right type of pasta: Different types of pasta have different textures and shapes, which can affect the final dish. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine work best in a frittata as they can be easily mixed with the eggs.

3. Use the right type of pan: A non-stick pan works best for cooking a frittata because it allows for easy flipping and prevents sticking.

4. Cook the frittata low and slow: Cook the frittata on low heat, as this allows the eggs to cook evenly without burning the bottom. Cook the frittata slowly, it will prevent the bottom from getting too brown before the top is set.

5. Use cheese wisely: Cheese can add a lot of flavor to the frittata, but it can also make the dish heavy. Use cheese sparingly and opt for a sharp, salty cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino.

6. Add vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.

7. Let it rest: Once the frittata is cooked, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will prevent the frittata from falling apart when you cut into it.

8. Experiment with different ingredients: Frittata di pasta is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to make it your own.