What to do with leftover pasta

• Store pasta separately from sauce for versatile reuse.

• For refrigeration, drizzle pasta with olive oil, toss and place in an airtight container.

• Never leave pasta out beyond two hours. Cool it entirely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

• For extended freshness (3-5 days), keep cooked pasta in the fridge in an airtight container.

• For longer storage, use resealable bags, freeze, then thaw in the fridge and boil briefly before use.

• Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture. Cover and microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

• Oven: Place pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminium foil and bake at 190°C until heated through.

• Stovetop: Use a large pot. Add pasta, a splash of water or its sauce, and stir on low heat until hot.

• Keep pasta creamy: Stir occasionally and maintain low heat. Adding a dash of cream or milk can help.

01

Pasta bakes

Reincarnate your leftover cooked spaghetti, noodles, fettuccine or penne into quick and easy meals by layering them with luscious cheese, herbs and even meat. You can also make a rich sauce from veggies - seasoning plays a pivotal role here – just a sprinkle of chilli flakes or a mix of Mediterranean herbs can shift the entire palate. Not to mention, the crusty top layer adds a textural contrast, ensuring each bite is a symphony of flavours and textures. For more inspiration watch this video on leftover vegetable mac and cheese. 

02

Pasta soup

Soup is life's answer to soulful comfort. The warmth of soup combined with the firm, chewy texture of pasta creates a hug in a mug. Try this vegetarian-friendly chunky minestrone brimming with beans and penne, reminiscent of your childhood. Alternatively, have one slice of lasagna, but need two meals? Throw your lasagna in a casserole, add some stock and create a beautiful lasagne soup, the possibilities are endless. You can even hack a laksa by adding laksa broth with leftover spaghetti or noodles, topped with fresh coriander and a dash of lime.

03

Pasta frittata

The iconic Italian omelette takes on a new identity when pasta is added. The mingling of eggs, cheese and pasta gives birth to a dish that is hearty enough for dinner yet light enough for breakfast. Your leftover penne or spaghetti can nestle in a bed of whisked eggs, herbs and maybe some sautéed capsicum or spinach. A touch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning can lift the dish, making it the star of your brunch table. You can even make mini frittatas, perfect for kid’s lunch boxes or a quick snack.

04

Pasta fritters

In the universe of snacking, fritters are their own galaxy. And when you introduce pasta into this world, the results are celestial. Enjoy a golden, crispy exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior of pasta seasoned with garlic, pepper and herbs. Whether you're pairing it with a tangy tomato dip or a creamy aioli, pasta fritters are bound to become your go-to snack for every gathering. Fritters work best with day-old pasta as it holds together better. For extra crunch, cook in the airfryer.

05

Pasta salad

Salads are the canvas of the culinary world, allowing for unlimited creativity. Best of all, they only take 20 minutes or less to put together. Leftover pasta, when introduced to fresh, crisp veggies and perhaps some cubed feta or mozzarella, becomes a quick and easy meal. Tossing it in a dressing made of olive oil, lemon zest and a hint of mustard can make a world of difference. It's the perfect dish for a summer picnic or a light office lunch - every forkful is a burst of freshness.

06

Snack ideas for leftover pasta

Pasta doesn’t just fill the plate for main courses; your leftover cooked ravioli, spaghetti or penne can redefine snacking. Think vegetarian-friendly cheesy pasta bites, where every bite offers gooey goodness, the crunch of air-fried ravioli chips, or indulge in these pasta muffins with a heart of melted cheese and bolognese for a comforting snack. Pair these bite-sized wonders with a variety of dips, and you have a snack spread perfect for your next dinner party or after-school snack for your kids. Plus, the combinations are endless.

07

Mac and cheese balls

If mac and cheese is comfort in a bowl, turning it into these crispy air-fryer mac and cheese balls takes the dish to another level – creamy, cheesy interior protected by a golden, crispy exterior. Dipping them in a spicy tomato sauce or a tangy barbecue dip is sheer heaven. It’s a snack that’s easy to make and versatile, too, — vegetarian-friendly, kid-friendly and perfect for parties. Just a bite is a journey from crunch to melt-in-the-mouth goodness. Don’t have leftover macaroni? Use leftover spaghetti and toss in cheese sauce instead.

08

Pasta pie

Pasta in pie is where tradition meets innovation. Imagine a rich, Italian-style spaghetti bolognese filling encased in a crispy pie crust, or melt-in-the-mouth lamb pie topped with crispy penne. Swapping out traditional pastry for leftover pasta is a great way to make use of last night’s spaghetti, plus you’ll love the extra crunch. Serve it with a fresh, green salad, and you have a dish that's hearty yet balanced.