Sometimes you’re craving pizza but all you got in the fridge is some leftover spaghetti.
So, what do ya do?
Well, you can either go get yourself a pizza, or you can cobble together those leftovers with a few other ingredients and attempt to make yourself a pizza.
A sort-of pizza, that is.
After all, flour makes a pizza crust as well as spaghetti noodles, right?
Right!
So, if you’re up for it and trust my judgment, go on and give this recipe a try.
Leftover Spaghetti Pizza
Transform your leftover spaghetti into a creative, crispy-bottomed pizza that's cheesy, satisfying, and surprisingly delicious. This fusion dish combines Italian comfort foods into one fun and family-friendly meal that's perfect for using up pasta leftovers.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked spaghetti (leftover, with or without sauce)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the pan)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
💡 Tip: A hot oven ensures a crispy crust on the spaghetti base.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover spaghetti with the beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
💡 Tip: The eggs act as a binder to hold the spaghetti crust together. If your spaghetti already has a lot of sauce, you may need an extra egg.
3. Heat a 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are well coated.
💡 Tip: You can also use a greased pie dish or round baking pan if you don't have an oven-safe skillet.
4. Press the spaghetti mixture evenly into the skillet, forming a compact crust that covers the bottom and comes slightly up the sides. Cook on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes until the bottom begins to crisp and turn golden brown.
💡 Tip: Don't stir! Let it sit undisturbed so the bottom forms a nice crispy crust.
5. Remove the skillet from heat. Spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the spaghetti crust.
💡 Tip: Don't oversaturate with sauce, or the crust may become soggy.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then add your pizza toppings (pepperoni or other favorites). Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tip: Get creative with toppings! Bell peppers, olives, sausage, mushrooms, or even leftover vegetables work wonderfully.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
💡 Tip: For extra crispy cheese, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice into wedges and serve.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula to carefully lift slices out of the skillet. The crust should be crispy on the bottom and hold together well.
Notes
Tips
- This recipe works best with plain spaghetti or lightly sauced spaghetti. If your leftovers are heavily sauced, drain some excess sauce before mixing with eggs.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and load up with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Leftover spaghetti pizza is excellent for meal prep - make it ahead and reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven for a crispy texture.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, cook the spaghetti crust in a regular pan, then carefully transfer it to a baking sheet before adding toppings.
- Kids love customizing their own sections with different toppings - make it a fun family activity!
And lemme know what you think. Maybe only if you like it though.
Think of it like this – the worst case scenario here is you’d added cheese to that spaghetti and baked it.
No losers there, eh?
Variations
If you’re looking for other ways to try it, then check out these ideas –
- White Pizza Version: Skip the tomato sauce and use a base of ricotta cheese mixed with garlic, then top with mozzarella, spinach, and chicken.
- Breakfast Spaghetti Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast twist.
- BBQ Chicken: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for the base to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Meat Lovers: Load up with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for an indulgent version.
- Caprese Style: Top with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil after baking for a lighter, fresher flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Yeah, it’s pizza. It’s not healthy.
Calories: 385 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 780mg
Calcium: 280mg
Iron: 2mg