We’ve all been there: a pot of pasta, a misjudged portion, and a lonely container of leftover spaghetti in the fridge. Usually we ambitiously save it for later and, well… Later never comes. Well, here’s the good news! Food Delite is here to banish leftover pasta and turn it into a springboard for creativity instead!
In this blog, we explore exciting new ways to use leftover pasta using recipes that are not only delicious but also budget-friendly and minimize food waste. Before we begin, if you’re looking for high quality pasta that is made with carefully sourced ingredients, check our range of delicious & authentic Italian pasta! With our wide variety of gluten free pasta, high protein pasta and more, the journey of discovery is neverending! So here we go –
Crispy & Golden Leftover Pasta Fritters
Fritters are one of those wonderful foods that can make nearly anything taste 10 times better. Because of course, what recipe doesn’t benefit from a good deep fry! These pasta fritters are a fun and creative way to transform your leftover pasta into a deliciously crunchy snack. The key to a tasty fritter is in creating a well-seasoned binding, and Food Delite’s vast selection of authentic Italian groceries can help you achieve just that. This is the perfect recipe to try out when you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon, or when you’re trying to clear out leftovers from your refrigerator!
Here’s a quick and easy recipe outline:
- Ingredients: Leftover cooked pasta (any shape), shredded cheese (mozzarella,Parmigiano Reggiano, or a mix), chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano), beaten egg, all-purpose flour, olive oil for frying.
- Instructions: Combine leftover pasta with shredded cheese, herbs, and a beaten egg. Gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the mixture holds together when pinched. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Form the pasta mixture into small patties and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or a simple lemon aioli.
Fresh & Crunchy Summer Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a classic summer staple, and leftover pasta is the perfect reason to create this simple yet nutritious dish. The wonderful secret about this recipe is that you can throw together nearly any assortment of vegetables and cut fruit and it’s sure to be a refreshingly crunchy meal! Our selection of Italian ingredients serve as a source of inspiration for you to create endless variations with, offering a range of herbs, spices, sun dried tomatoes, olives and more to add that authentic Italian flavour to your dish.
Here’s a quick sketch of what your salad could be like to get you started:
- Ingredients: Leftover cooked pasta (short shapes like penne or farfalle work well), chopped vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives), crumbled cheese (feta, mozzarella, or provolone), & chopped fresh herbs.
- Instructions: Combine leftover pasta with chopped vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Toss with your favorite Italian balsamic vinegar and drizzle on some olive oil. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top it off with toasted walnuts for the perfect bite.
A Comforting Classic: Pasta Frittata
This dish combines the familiar texture of pasta with the richness of a frittata, making it a perfect option for brunch or a light dinner. Use our incredible range of imported Italian cheeses to take this recipe from a regular egg breakfast to a culinary delight!
- Ingredients: Leftover cooked pasta (small shapes like orzo, ditalini, or acini dipepe work best), chopped vegetables (broccoli, peas, zucchini), grated cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano), beaten eggs, olive oil.
- Instructions: Sauté chopped vegetables in olive oil until tender. Combine leftover pasta, vegetables, and grated cheese with beaten eggs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until set and golden brown on the bottom. Flip the frittata using a plate and cook for another few minutes until set through.
A Hearty and Nourishing Choice: Leftover Pasta Soup
Nothing tastes more wholesome than a steaming bowl of thick & creamy soup with pasta. It’s a convenient comfort food that’s easy to whip up on a cold night. It’s also a great way to clear your fridge of leftover vegetables and of course, pasta! To make a flavourful broth, we recommend trying our chicken or mushroom stock cubes – it will add depth to any soup, making it a delectable dish that can be made in less than an hour. It comes in a range of flavours too! With a little creativity and a trip to Food Delite, you can whip up a satisfying meal in a flash.
- Ingredients: Leftover cooked pasta (any shape), chicken or vegetable broth, chopped vegetables for broth (carrots, celery, onions), chopped fresh herbs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano for garnish.
- Instructions: Heat broth in a pot. Add chopped vegetables and simmer it along with a couple of stock cubes of your choice. If you prefer a thick soup to a clear one, cook pumpkin or tomatoes with the broth and then blend it to make a filling and well-rounded nutritious meal. Simmer the whole pot for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add leftover pasta right at the end so that it doesn’t overcook, and garnish it with chopped fresh herbs. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread!
Crunchy Baked Pasta Chips
We’ve saved the best for last with our all-time favourite crunchy snack! Food Delite is here to introduce you to the world of air-fried pasta chips, a healthy and delightful way to transform your leftover pasta. We love that air fryers offer a guilt-free way to achieve that satisfying crunch without drowning in oil. It’s also super quick, easy and requires minimal effort. It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to impress your guests, and also makes for a great movie night snack! Our selection of Italian herbs and spices add another layer of flavour to your air-fried pasta chips.
Here’s a basic recipe outline to get you started:
- Ingredients: Leftover cooked pasta (any shape will work), olive oil, your favorite seasonings (think garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmigiano Reggiano, spices).
- Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Toss leftover pasta with olive oil and sprinkle a generous amount of your chosen seasonings and salt accordingly. Spread the pasta in a single layer on the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s no overlapping. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
And there you go – those are our top 5 favourite ways to creatively repurpose your leftover pasta! Now you can flex your skills as a culinary magellan with these novel recipes, while also minimizing food waste. It’s a win win!
Feast on our range of authentic Italian pasta with a bonus from the Food Delite family! Enjoy our special
PASTA10 promo today!
Promotion Details:
28 May – 1 June
Enter code PASTA10 at checkout to enjoy 10% discount on all our pasta category!
- Not applicable in conjunction with any other discounts or promotion
- Products already on sale are not included in the campaign
- Code is valid for one time use only
