If you're like me, you always make too much pasta and have a ton left over. Here's a way to use it! My Parmesan Cheese Skillet Spaghetti Cake uses pantry or fridge items you simply bake in a cast iron skillet. It's pretty fantastic. In fact, you can throw just about anything you want in there... leftover roasted veggies, a bit of sausage or even leftover short ribs. This easy recipe is great for an impromptu party or for dinner, as a side dish or anytime you have leftover pasta. Add some marinara on the side. You’ll love it!
PARMESAN CHEESE SKILLET SPAGHETTI CAKE
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/2 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed
12 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
2 eggs
1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated, plus 1/4 cup more for serving
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain. Toss with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Set aside.
Put the eggs in a large bowl and whisk them well. Whisk in the salt, pepper and the garlic. Add the pasta and the cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium high heat. When it gets hot, add the smashed garlic clove and let it cook 1-2 minutes but don’t let it burn. Remove from heat. Use the back of a knife to turn the garlic clove into a paste. Mix it into the pasta.
Turn the heat down to medium. Carefully spin the hot skillet to distribute the olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the hot pan. Let it cook 3-4 minutes or until well-browned. Use a large spatula or two small ones to flip the cake and brown the other side; about 4 minutes more. The cake is done when the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
If you prefer not to flip the cake, no problem. You can finish it in the oven. Before you start, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Once you've cooked the cake on the stove to brown the bottom, move the pan into the oven and cook for 10 minutes more or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are completely set. (Make sure to use an oven safe pan like a cast iron skillet)
To serve, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake and turn it out on a heat-proof platter or wooden cutting board. Sprinkle with more freshly grated Parmesan and some finely chopped Italian parsley.
