Can I use a different type of noodle in this recipe?

Absolutely! Any spaghetti will work—whole wheat, regular, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based pastas. Chickpea noodles add protein, but feel free to choose what you love or have on hand.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

No worries! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be swapped in for similar creaminess. Even a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream will work in a pinch.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

If a cast iron or oven-safe skillet isn’t available, simply prepare the sauce in a regular pan, toss with the pasta, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.

How can I make this meatless or lighter?

For a vegetarian take, skip the meat altogether—just bulk up the sauce with extra veggies or plant-based crumbles. Want it even lighter? Use low-fat cheeses and load up with more fresh herbs and greens.

Fried Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Fried Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground beef (96/4); 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 24 oz. Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce; 1/4 cup part skim ricotta cheese; 1/2 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 8 oz. Banza Chickpea Spaghetti Noodles (full box); 1 cup low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (112g); Fresh chopped parsley; Parmesan cheese

If you’ve never tried Fried Spaghetti, you are in for an easy, utterly satisfying weeknight treat that might just become your new favorite. This isn’t just reheated pasta! Imagine tender chickpea spaghetti tangled with a robust, basil-infused tomato meat sauce, then married together under a bubbly, golden blanket of mozzarella cheese. Every bite is a harmony of creamy ricotta, subtly sweet onions, and a finale of crisped noodles—a little chewy, a little melty, absolutely irresistible. Best of all, it’s fast, fuss-free, and endlessly customizable for however wild (or tame) your evenings might be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Requires Minimal Prep: Quick enough for a weekday dash, this recipe comes together in about half an hour, door to table.
Family-Friendly and Comforting: Who can resist a skillet of cheesy, meaty pasta pulled straight from the oven?
Elevates Leftovers: The “fried” technique turns plain old spaghetti into a textural masterpiece—creamy and crispy in every forkful.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite noodles, sauces, or protein—this is truly a pantry-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and you’re halfway there—most are pantry staples!

Lean Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it enhances richness and helps caramelize the onions and garlic.
Yellow Onion: Sweetness and depth start with gently cooked onion.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a fragrant backbone—do not skip!
Tomato Basil Sauce: Opt for a high-quality jarred sauce like Rao’s for vibrant flavor without extra fuss.
Ricotta Cheese: Part-skim ricotta melts into the sauce for an irresistible creaminess.
Dried Oregano & Italian Seasoning: Layered herbs wake up the sauce and tie the dish together.
Salt: Brings out all those savory notes.
Fresh Parsley: Lends freshness and color (both inside and as a topping).
Banza Chickpea Spaghetti Noodles: Chickpea-based pasta adds extra protein and a subtle nutty flavor. Any spaghetti works, though.
Mozzarella Cheese: The finishing touch—melts to gooey perfection and makes the topping mouthwateringly irresistible.
Toppings (optional but highly encouraged): Chopped parsley and grated parmesan for extra flavor and a touch of fancy.

Note: Feel free to use any ground meat or noodle you prefer—see the “Variations” section below!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

It’s hard to go wrong with a skillet full of cheesy pasta, but here are a few ways to make it your own:

Different Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for lentils, chickpeas, or sautéed zucchini and mushrooms.
Noodle Swap: Classic wheat spaghetti, whole wheat, gluten-free, or veggie noodles all work.
Sauce Flavors: Prefer some kick? Go for a spicy arrabbiata, or use a roasted garlic marinara.
Cheese Lovers: Add dollops of mascarpone or extra grated parmesan for even more creaminess.
Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or roasted eggplant to up the veg quota with zero complaints.

How to Make Fried Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This way, it’s ready to go when you are.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (a little bite is best—they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain well.

Step 3: Make the Meaty Sauce

Heat olive oil in your cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent and aromatic. Add ground beef, crumble it thoroughly, and cook until there’s no pink left.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add your tomato basil sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and a good handful of fresh parsley. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 5: Creamy Upgrade

Spoon in the ricotta cheese. Stir until it melts and enriches the sauce—this is where the magic happens!

Step 6: Marry the Noodles and Sauce

Toss in your drained spaghetti, gently mixing it so each strand is coated. Spread it in an even layer in the skillet.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle the whole thing with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly over the top. Pop the skillet in your preheated oven.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the noodles on top begin to turn golden and slightly crisp.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Take the skillet out carefully (it’ll be hot!), then shower the top with more fresh parsley and a generous grating of parmesan. Serve straight from the pan—who needs extra dishes?

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly underdone is best—remember, they’ll soften more in the oven.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you don’t have cast iron, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
Get a Good Sear: Let the noodles sit in the pan for a moment before baking to maximize crispy bits.
Mix Gently: Toss the spaghetti in the sauce softly to avoid breaking the noodles.
Layer Flavors: If you have extra time, add a splash of red wine to the sauce or toss in some crushed red pepper for heat.
Cheese Evenly: Grate your own mozzarella for better melting and fewer additives.

How to Serve

This fried spaghetti is truly the star of the show, but here are some delicious ways to complement it:

Top With Garnishes: Scatter extra fresh parsley and plenty of parmesan just before serving for color and zing.
Add Some Greens: A crisp side salad with a bright vinaigrette works wonders to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
Pairing Suggestion: A glass of Italian red wine or some sparkling water with lemon keeps things lively.
For a Comfort Platter: Serve with warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a full, comforting spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the fried spaghetti before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The dish reheats beautifully and might taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly! Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap well with foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until the cheese is melty and bubbling again.

Tip: Add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle in this recipe?

Absolutely! Any spaghetti will work—whole wheat, regular, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based pastas. Chickpea noodles add protein, but feel free to choose what you love or have on hand.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

No worries! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be swapped in for similar creaminess. Even a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream will work in a pinch.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

If a cast iron or oven-safe skillet isn’t available, simply prepare the sauce in a regular pan, toss with the pasta, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
How can I make this meatless or lighter?

For a vegetarian take, skip the meat altogether—just bulk up the sauce with extra veggies or plant-based crumbles. Want it even lighter? Use low-fat cheeses and load up with more fresh herbs and greens.

Final Thoughts

If quick dinners that don’t skimp on flavor are your thing, give this Fried Spaghetti a try. It checks every box: rich, cheesy, hearty, and absolutely effortless. The crispy noodles and creamy, saucy bite are sure to win over busy families and picky eaters alike. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your cravings—just get in there and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!