Few foods satisfy hunger more effectively than fresh pasta. A bowl full of piping hot noodles topped with anything from cheese to vegetables and sauce can fill you up beautifully. But if you have some left, you aren’t limited to eating the exact same meal for several days in a row. Here are some creative ways to make clever use of the remaining pasta.

What to Do With Leftover Pasta

1. Try a Pasta Bake

Leftover pasta can serve as a great starchy element for your next casserole. This is a particularly great option for larger shells, like tortellini and ravioli. They’re hearty and filling, so they’ll contribute nicely to a filling lunch or dinner. Concoct a sauce of your choosing, as both white and red complement pasta fillings well, and add your choice of vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Bake until golden brown for best results.

2. Make an Egg Fritter

You can even use fresh pasta to whip up a unique and tasty breakfast. To do so, you’ll need a bowl of spaghetti noodles or any type that’s relatively thin. You can rough chop the pasta to break it down a bit, then combine it with two eggs, a third of a cup of bread crumbs, and half a cup of your favorite cheese. Add your seasonings of choice to taste. Gather them into balls, then scoop into flat pancakes and fry on medium heat in olive oil. Cook on both sides until they’re crispy and brown.

3. Bake Some Pasta Pie

With enough fresh pasta left over, you can even make a pie just like you might find at your favorite Italian restaurant. Just combine three eggs, a large scoop of parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a pat of butter in a mixing bowl. Put your leftover pasta in a pie plate, then coat the top with your mixture. Add some sauce to the top if you wish, then bake for at least half an hour at 350° Fahrenheit. The end result is a dish akin to a hearty slice of pizza, only thicker and richer.
 

If you’re craving fresh pasta in Groton, CT, head to Paul’s Pasta Shop. Proudly serving locals since 1988, the restaurant specializes in delicious Italian food made fresh every day of the week. Enjoy a bowl of soup, a delicious salad, or a hearty sandwich alongside your favorite dish. Visit the website to browse the menu, or call (860) 445-5276 to speak with a friendly staff member.