You know when you’re looking for something different, yet comfortingly familiar, to bring to the table? That’s where frittata spaghetti shines. Think of it as a delicious mash-up of breakfast and dinner. If you’re a fan of pasta and eggs, get ready to be delighted.
I discovered this gem during a culinary adventure in a quaint little Italian restaurant where the chef had a flair for combining simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Trust me, once you try frittata spaghetti, you won’t want to go back.
What is Frittata Spaghetti?
Frittata spaghetti is a delightful creation that merges the comforting flavors of frittata with the satisfaction of spaghetti. It’s a baked dish where cooked spaghetti is enveloped in a creamy egg mixture, often enriched with cheese and various ingredients like smoked pancetta and herbs.
Imagine the richness of frittata combined with the heartiness of pasta. The outcome is a fluffy, golden masterpiece that’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
Why You’ll Love This Frittata Spaghetti
There’s a lot to love about frittata spaghetti. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a canvas for whatever you have on hand. Second, it’s a complete meal packed with protein, thanks to eggs and additional toppings like cheese and meats. It’s also make-ahead friendly.
I often prepare it the night before a gathering, pop it in the fridge, and bake it just before guests arrive. Finally, this dish has the charm of rustic Italian cooking, invoking warm feelings and happy memories.
The Ingredients
To make a fantastic frittata spaghetti, you’ll need the following:
- Spaghetti noodles – 1 lb (350 g)
- Diced smoked pancetta – 1 ¾ cup (50 g)
- Fresh farm eggs – 5 large
- Whole cream milk – ½ cup (100 g)
- Aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – ½ cup (50 g), finely grated
- Smoked scamorza cheese – 3 ½ oz (100 g), cubed
- Cracked black pepper – 1 pinch
- Fresh parsley leaves – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Lemon zest – ½ tsp
- Fresh thyme sprig – 1
- Garlic clove – 1, crushed
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil – drizzle as needed
These ingredients come together to tell a story of Italy on your plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking is a joy when you break it down step-by-step. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven later, so don’t overdo it. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Pancetta
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced smoked pancetta. Sauté it until it’s crispy and golden. The aroma is something you won’t forget. Remove from heat and let it cool for a bit.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them vigorously. Pour in the whole cream milk. Add in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, cubed scamorza cheese, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and the chopped parsley. Don’t forget the zest of the lemon as it adds a frankly delightful brightness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pancetta
Once the spaghetti has cooled slightly, add it to the egg mixture, followed by the sautéed pancetta and garlic. Stir gently to ensure each strand of spaghetti is coated. You want to create a harmonious mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to Oven-Safe Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large oven-safe dish with olive oil. Pour the spaghetti and egg mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the frittata is puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell fantastic. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Serve
Slice the frittata spaghetti into wedges. Serve hot or warm. Pair it with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to ensure your frittata spaghetti is a hit:
- Use leftover spaghetti: If you have leftover pasta, this is a perfect opportunity to repurpose it. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Greens for added nutrition: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
- Make it colorful: Incorporate colorful bell peppers or zucchini to brighten the dish and add texture.
- Play with spices: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can bring new flavor dimensions to the dish.
Can I Store Frittata Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Frittata spaghetti stores well in the fridge. You can keep it in an airtight container for up to three days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option.
What Can I Serve with Frittata Spaghetti?
Pairing sides with frittata spaghetti can elevate your meal:
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the frittata.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful texture that complements the dish beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasoned and roasted seasonal vegetables add an earthy touch.
- Olives and Antipasto Platter: Offer a variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for an Italian flair.
- Sautéed Greens: Lightly sautéed bok choy or chard can create a lovely contrast.
Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some fun variations:
- Vegetable-Laden Version: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to incorporate more veggies. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also enhances the flavor profile.
- Herbed Frittata: Swap in fresh herbs like dill or oregano instead of thyme. It’ll impart a unique flavor, making it stand out.
- Cheesy Delight: Use a mix of your favorite cheeses. A combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and cheddar creates gooey layers that will have cheese lovers rejoicing.
- Spicy Sausage: Replace the pancetta with spicy Italian sausage. This adds a delightful heat and richness. Cook the sausage ahead of time to render out some fat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. Consider using spinach for greens for an even tastier vibe.
Conclusion
Frittata spaghetti is a beautiful blend of flavors that pays tribute to Italian cuisine. It showcases simplicity and comfort, harnessing ingredients to create an inviting meal. Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Plus, you can make it your own with a myriad of variations. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner Italian chef, and prepare to indulge. You won’t regret it. Enjoy the process, savor the tastes, and, most importantly, share it with friends and family.
Buon appetito!
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Frittata Spaghetti Recipe – Affordable Food Ideas
You know when you’re looking for something different, yet comfortingly familiar, to bring to the table? That’s where frittata spaghetti shines. Think of it as a delicious mash-up of breakfast and dinner. If you're a fan of pasta and eggs, get ready to be delighted.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
-
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven later, so don’t overdo it. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Pancetta
-
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced smoked pancetta. Sauté it until it’s crispy and golden. The aroma is something you won’t forget. Remove from heat and let it cool for a bit.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
-
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them vigorously. Pour in the whole cream milk. Add in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, cubed scamorza cheese, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and the chopped parsley. Don’t forget the zest of the lemon as it adds a frankly delightful brightness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pancetta
-
Once the spaghetti has cooled slightly, add it to the egg mixture, followed by the sautéed pancetta and garlic. Stir gently to ensure each strand of spaghetti is coated. You want to create a harmonious mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to Oven-Safe Dish
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large oven-safe dish with olive oil. Pour the spaghetti and egg mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Step 6: Bake
-
Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the frittata is puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell fantastic. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Serve
-
Slice the frittata spaghetti into wedges. Serve hot or warm. Pair it with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 416kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34.9g54%
- Saturated Fat 24.6g123%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 185mg62%
- Sodium 502mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use leftover spaghetti: If you have leftover pasta, this is a perfect opportunity to repurpose it. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Greens for added nutrition: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
- Make it colorful: Incorporate colorful bell peppers or zucchini to brighten the dish and add texture.
- Play with spices: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can bring new flavor dimensions to the dish.
