Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure with Ron Palillo's Italian Fried Pasta! This mouthwatering dish takes traditional spaghetti to a whole new level, creating a perfect harmony of crispy texture and rich, savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine golden-brown pasta with a delightful crunch, coated in marinara sauce and melted Parmesan cheese – a simple yet irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the hot skillet, spreading it evenly across the pan's surface. Allow the pasta to crisp and develop a golden-brown color on the bottom, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the pasta. Gently toss or flip the pasta to ensure even seasoning and continued browning.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the crispy pasta, stirring gently to coat the noodles without breaking them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Transfer the fried pasta to serving plates, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of crispy and saucy noodles.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Use day-old pasta for best results: Slightly dried pasta creates a crispier texture when frying.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding pasta to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Don't stir constantly – let the pasta develop a crisp bottom before gently tossing.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor and proper heat distribution.
- Pat the cooked pasta dry before frying to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
- Choose a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan for optimal results.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch and flavor of the fried pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
