12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (2024)

Published: by Terri Gilson · Modified: · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

If you love spaghetti but like me, you always make too much and end up with leftover spaghetti, you need these Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes in your life! My Secret Ingredient Spaghetti Sauce is on regular rotation at our house (and one of the most popular recipes on the blog) so I always have excess noodles. And since I'm constantly looking for new ways to use up leftover spaghetti noodles, I imagine I'm not the only one...

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (1)

I've created my own recipes to reinvent my leftover spaghetti and rounded up some more recipes from my fellow food bloggers. This round up of 12 easy leftover spaghetti recipes includes everything from fried leftover spaghetti to leftover spaghetti pie, leftover spaghetti salad, spaghetti casserole and more. If you're looking for leftover inspiration, look no further!

No one wants to be wasting food, but the same leftovers can get really boring. And once you run out of spaghetti sauce, the noodles are no longer nearly as inviting.

So finding new and delicious ways to use up leftovers is the key!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (2)

Fortunately, spaghetti is a great pantry staple, economical, and extremely versatile. And it's easy to use as the base for a great leftover meal.

In fact, leftover spaghetti recipes can even become the star of the show!

This Peanut Pasta Salad was born out of my need to use up leftover spaghetti noodles. But it's sooo good, it's taken on a life of its own! When my nephew recently came to town to visit, I told him I'd make him anything he wanted (maybe he saw something on Instagram he liked?)

And what did he choose out of my 400+ recipes? He chose THIS healthy Leftover Spicy Peanut Pasta Salad recipe because I'd made it when I was visiting my parents and he LOVED it that much!

📋 Spicy Peanut Pasta Salad Recipe

A little spicy, quick and full of veggies, this Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad with spicy peanut sauce is a delicious way to use up leftover spaghetti noodles. It's fast and easy to make and is perfect for dinner, lunch boxes and potlucks!

Check out this Spicy Peanut Pasta Salad Recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (3)

Easy Thai Pork Noodles

This Easy Thai Pork Noodles Recipe is a simple and quick dinner that can be made in 30 minutes. It uses leftover spaghetti noodles, soy sauce, peanut butter and boneless pork (pork loin or tenderloin) and frozen broccoli. It's also WW friendly!

Check out this Easy Thai Pork Noodles recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (4)

📋 Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This healthier version of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole has all the creaminess of a million dollar casserole, minus the calories! It's easy to make, a great way to enjoy spaghetti in a different form and you can also use up leftover spaghetti noodles!

Check out this Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (5)

Pasta Frittata with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Packed with broccoli rabe, bell peppers, sausage, and cheese, Pasta Frittata is a delicious way to use up leftover pasta.

Check out this Pasta Frittata recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (6)

Fried Spaghetti with Eggs

Fried spaghetti with eggs is a great way to enjoy leftover spaghetti in a delicious meal that is great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. This simple recipe results in crispy spaghetti, fried eggs, bold garlic flavor too.

Check out this Fried Spaghetti with Eggs recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (7)

Leftover Spaghetti Pie

This spaghetti pie recipe pulls together all of the best aspects of this Italian classic - pasta - cheese, meat sauce, and more cheese.It's the perfect way to use up leftover spaghetti noodles!

Check out this Leftover Spaghetti Pie recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (8)

Leftover Spaghetti in Edible Garlic Bread Bowls

What's more fun than eating your leftover spaghetti out of mini garlic bread bowls?! Plus, thanks to their small size you can eat them either as an appetizer, or fill up a few to eat as an entree!

Check out this Leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowl recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (9)

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

This easy pasta recipe is a great way to use extra pasta. The creamy and slightly spicy sauce comes together quick!

Check out this Spicy Shrimp Pasta recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (10)

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This bruschetta chicken pasta recipe has plenty of fresh flavors. Enjoy garden fresh ripe tomatoes in a healthy family meal. This is one of those recipes that is delicious the first day when it is served warm, yet even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together.

Check out this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (11)

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is the ultimate throw together meal with leftover spaghetti noodles and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is full of flavor and amazingly creamy.

Check out this Chicken Spaghetti recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (12)

Garlic Olive Oil Pasta Recipe (Aglio e Olio)

Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti is a great use for your leftover pasta! All you need is 3 ingredients and 15 minutes to make this super simple and super flavorful pasta recipe. This is a great side dish, or a simple lunch:

Check out this Garlic Olive Oil Pasta recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (13)

Pasta a Frittata: Italian Fried Pasta

Fried pasta is not even a recipe; it is what Italians do when they have pasta leftover and don't want to cook anything. Fried spaghetti is perfect for a lazy day or a picnic. Find out how to make it crispy!

Check out this Fried Pasta Recipe!

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (14)

❔Frequently Asked Questions

How long can spaghetti last in the fridge?

Spaghetti will last for 3-4 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

How long can spaghetti sit out?

Don't let spaghetti sit out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating it.

Can you freeze leftover spaghetti?

Leftover spaghetti can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag (make sure it's a "freezer bag" and not a "storage bag"). Freezing spaghetti noodles is a great way to avoid waste, as it only lasts a few days in the fridge.

How to reheat frozen spaghetti?

The best way to reheat frozen spaghetti is to defrost it in the fridge overnight, then add 2 teaspoons of water to it (per cup of spaghetti) and place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on full power for 30-45 seconds, then remove, stir, and return to microwave at 30-second intervals, as many times as needed, until it's heated through.

Alternatively, once your noodles are defrosted, you can put them in a colander/strainer and dip them into boiling water for approximately 30 seconds or until they are warmed up.

🦺FOOD SAFETY

  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with highsmoking pointto avoid harmful compounds
  • Always havegood ventilation when using a gas stove

Seemore guidelines at USDA.gov.

If you're looking for leftover spaghetti ideas and want to breathe new life into your leftover noodles, then you'll love these 12 easy leftover spaghetti noodle recipes!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colleen

    I ALWAYS end up with way to much spaghetti and I always feel bad about wasting them. So thanks for putting together this delicious looking collection of ideas to use the leftovers. This will come in handy after our next spaghetti night!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Colleen - enjoy!

      Reply

  2. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady

    This is such a great post. I am notorious for cooking WAY too much spaghetti. I usually use it to make chicken spaghetti, but love the other ideas you are sharing!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Cindy!

      Reply

  3. Vanessa

    Now I want to make lots of leftover spaghetti on purpose!!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      I do that too, Vanessa!

      Reply

  4. Bernice

    OMG you're going to laugh Terri. My youngest son just moved out on his own and made bolognese....and boiled TWO whole packages of spaghetti. He was somehow surprised with the piles of spaghetti he had left. LOL
    I'm sending him this roundup tonight!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      That's too funny, Bernice! Yes, he really needs these recipes!

      Reply

  5. Sue

    How creative are all of these ideas! I've really been focusing on decreasing food waste. spaghetti noodles often look so uninviting in the fridge as leftovers. Looking forward to giving noodles a new life.

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      That is so awesome that you're decreasing food waste! I'm so glad these recipes inspired you, Sue!

      Reply

  6. Julia

    I can't tell you the number of times I throw away spaghetti noodles. I always make too many . This post is a game changer. Saving, thank you!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      You're welcome, Julia! No more waste-yay!

      Reply

  7. Marie Porter

    What great ideas! I'm especially interested in the spaghetti pie - I bet that's a bunch of fun to make / eat!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

12 Easy Leftover Spaghetti Noodle Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you upgrade leftover pasta? ›

Add a little olive oil, cheese, and sauce, then bake it again. As long as the pasta isn't dried out or soggy, it can be even tastier the second time around. Ricotta and mozzarella can bring leftover pasta back to life.

Is spaghetti good on day 3? ›

The Bottom Line is spaghetti or pasta has an average shelf life of 3 to 5 days before it reaches its expiration date. If you attempt to eat this pasta past 5 or 6 days, it can cause you potential food poisoning.

What do you eat with spaghetti noodles? ›

25 Side Dishes To Serve With Spaghetti
  • 01 of 25. Chopped Kale Salad With Toasted Breadcrumbs. ...
  • 02 of 25. Garlic Bread. ...
  • 03 of 25. Caesar Salad With Garlicky Croutons. ...
  • 04 of 25. Buttery Yeast Rolls. ...
  • 05 of 25. Caesar Salad Bites. ...
  • 06 of 25. Chicken- Parmesan Meatballs. ...
  • 07 of 25. Tomato-Herb Panzanella. ...
  • 08 of 25. Sautéed Squash And Zucchini.
Aug 14, 2023

Can you use spaghetti for lo mein? ›

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, onion, and green onions in hot oil until slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add spaghetti and soy sauce mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

How do you jazz up leftover pasta? ›

Add a Drizzle of Sauce or Butter

Even if you use a microwave (or even a skillet), there are ways to supercharge reheated pasta. If you hit your pasta with a glug of good olive oil, you'll let your pasta and sauce better express themselves. (This is also a great move for pasta that isn't leftover!)

How do you jazz up old pasta? ›

Spread your leftovers out evenly on a baking tray and bake at 350 for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. This will give you evenly heated pasta and some nice crispy bites of toasted deliciousness. To take this up a notch, add a little cheese on top. Yum!

Is it OK to eat 5 day old spaghetti? ›

Can I eat 5-day-old spaghetti? If the spaghetti has been stored on its own, it can be consumed at the 5-day mark even if the texture is slightly off. Cooked pasta lasts longer when not stored with sauce. If it is mixed with sauce, I recommend throwing it away after 5 days.

Can you eat 2 week old spaghetti sauce? ›

"After opening a high-acid canned food, like a tomato sauce, it can be stored safely in the refrigerator for five to seven days before being used," says Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Check the sauce before using, even in this timeframe, to make sure it has not spoiled.

How long will cooked spaghetti last in the fridge? ›

Allow cooked pasta to cool slightly. It can then be stored in airtight containers (from $5, The Container Store) in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Again, store pasta and sauce separately, if possible. To reheat, drop the pasta in boiling water for just a few seconds; drain.

What can I put on pasta without sauce? ›

Cheese is an excellent way to add flavor to your pasta without having to rely on sauce. Try mixing your angel hair pasta with goat cheese, and toss in sun-dried tomatoes to make an amazing meal with just a few ingredients. Garlic butter is a terrific way to season all types of noodles.

What is the most popular spaghetti dish? ›

The most famous pasta dishes are:
  • Spaghetti Bolognaise.
  • Lasagne.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo.
  • Pasta Carbonara.
  • Ravioli.
  • Pasta alla Norma.
  • Spaghetti alle Vongole.
  • Macaroni Cheese.
Oct 24, 2023

How do you make spaghetti more interesting? ›

Use cherry tomatoes, fresh basil or other herbs, a peppery extra-virgin olive oil, fresh grated cheese. Swap out all the heavy ingredients for light ones. Instead of a thick cream sauce, toss the spaghetti with roasted vegetables. Serve your spaghetti on the side instead of as a main dish.

Which is healthier noodles or spaghetti? ›

Beyond the sensory experience, Pasta made from Durum Wheat Semolina offers notable nutritional advantages over noodles made from maida. Durum wheat semolina is rich in essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

What is lo mein sauce made of? ›

Most commonly, lo mein involves chicken, beef, pork, turkey, shrimp or tofu. Sauce components: Lo mein sauce is mainly composed of sesame oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce and a dash of sugar. If you like your noodles to have a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

What is the difference between spaghetti and Chinese noodles? ›

First, the main difference between the two is the type of wheat used to make them. Lo mein noodles are typically made from wheat flour, eggs, and water, whereas regular noodles can be made from a variety of grains, including wheat, rice, or mung beans. Second, the texture of the noodles is different.

How do you upgrade plain pasta? ›

Boil with a garlic clove and salt. The garlic adds a bit of flavor and then I remove it, mash it and re-add it to the pasta. Olive oil or butter and herbs. Adding a fat to the pasta makes it taste better if you're poor and need something.

How to make pasta extra good? ›

The Easy Secrets to Way Better Pasta
  1. Make sure your cooking water is salty like the sea, and almost as plentiful. ...
  2. Check the package's cooking time, but don't put too much faith in it. ...
  3. Reserve a little pasta water. ...
  4. Never, ever rinse. ...
  5. Finish your pasta in its sauce.
Apr 16, 2017

What can I add to pasta to make it nicer? ›

If you don't have sauce in the house, grilled, stir-fried or baked veggies can add lots of flavor and texture. Butternut or acorn squash, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion are all great options to add to a pasta dish, along with some minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

How do you reheat pasta so it tastes good? ›

Reheat in the following ways: A light spray of water on the pasta before microwaving will reheat nicely and help steam it back to life. Rewarm but tossing in hot sauce; same principle as the microwave, but a bit more flavorful. If the pasta is heavily sauced or a baked dish, try a 350 degree oven for 5–7 minutes.

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