7 Fun Ways to Use Up Leftover Spaghetti

Spaghetti noodles are one of the most effortless dinner mains you can make. However, we've all cooked up too much pasta because the first handful didn't seem like enough, only to end up with a bunch of leftover spaghetti noodles and no idea what to do with them.

Of course, you could use the leftover noodles for their original purpose: making a pasta dish. Or, you can try something new with these fun recipes that give leftover spaghetti noodles a whole new life.

How to Use Leftover Spaghetti

These recipes are so tasty that you'll want to double the batch next time you cook spaghetti noodles and save half for later. Plus, it'll make these creative uses for leftovers even quicker and easier.

1. Spaghetti and Meatballs Muffin Bites

"There's a reason spaghetti and meatballs appear on so many dinner tables — it's a comforting meal, easy to put together, and loaded with flavor. This recipe turns the traditional meal into party-ready, individual servings of spaghetti and meatballs muffin bites," says recipe creator Snacking in the Kitchen.

Check out the video for a step-by-step to making these Spaghetti and Meatballs Muffin Bites.

2. Spaghetti Donuts

Leftovers don't get more creative than spaghetti donuts. This savory take on pastries is a fun way to use your remaining spaghetti noodles, sauce, and cheese by baking it into a portable version of the dinnertime favorite dish.

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk together 2 eggs and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, then stir in 2 cups leftover cooked spaghetti, 1/4 cup of marinara sauce, and 1/4 cup of crumbled cooked bacon.
3. Arrange the mixture in a greased 6-hole doughnut pan or form 6 (3-inch) doughnut shapes on a greased 10x15-inch baking pan. Bake until firm, about 15 minutes. Serve with additional marinara. Makes 6.

3. Leftover Spaghetti Lasagna

"This is a dish intended for your leftover spaghetti. In my house there never seems to be enough left over to make this, so seeing as we love this dish a lot I make it with fresh spaghetti. Night #1 we are all dancing in our seat with pleasure as we eat dinner and lunch on day #2 is a treat beyond words," sounds recipe creator Joey Joan.

Here's the full recipe for Left Over Spaghetti Lasagna.

4. Breakfast Nests

Transform leftover spaghetti into a delicious, healthy breakfast with these spaghetti noodles nests that are filled with perfectly baked eggs and topped with crispy cheese.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease 6 ramekins or custard cups.
2. Beat an egg in a large bowl with ¼ teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Add 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti and 6 slices of cooked chopped bacon; toss to coat. Divide the mixture among ramekins and twirl each with a fork, creating an indentation in the center.
3. Bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with ¾ cup of shredded cheddar. Break an egg into each indentation. Bake until whites are set and yolks are thickened, 20 minutes more. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serves 6.

5. Quick Noodle-Veggie Bowls

"This simple noodle bowl recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to swap out the mushrooms and snow peas for other quick-cooking veggies, such as broccoli, cabbage, or green beans," states recipe contributor Juliana Hale.

Try this recipe for Quick Noodle-Veggie Bowls.

6. Cold Sesame Noodles

Give your leftover spaghetti noodles a sweet and savory twist by tossing them in this Asian-inspired sesame peanut sauce. Cold sesame noodles taste great right away, but they are even better after marinating in the refrigerator for a few hours first.

1. In a blender, add 2 sliced scallions, 1 clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger root, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of peanut oil, ⅓ cup of chunky peanut butter, ⅓ cup of sesame seeds, and hot sauce. Blend until smooth. If needed, add ¼ cup of cold water to smooth out the sauce.
2. Pour the sauce over cold, cooked spaghetti noodles, and toss to coat. Garnish with scallions, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds.

7. Spaghetti Frittata

"Spaghetti with tomato sauce gets a new home: in a frittata. It makes a complete meal for your next brunch that is sure to please everyone. Leftovers are delicious too!", recipe contributor Buckwheat Queen exclaims.

Get the full recipe for Spaghetti Frittata.

Related:

• How To Use Leftover Pasta for Maccheroni Pizza
• 7 Ways to Use Up Leftover Pasta Sauce
• The Best Ways to Reheat Pasta So It Still Tastes Good

Check out our collection of Spaghetti Recipes.

Portions of this article originally appeared in the December/January 2020 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.