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    Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

    Pasta with Breadcrumbs

    Published: Feb 17, 2023 by Radwa ·

    Jump to Recipe

    This Pasta with Breadcrumbs and cheese is a simple and easy Sicilian recipe known as Pasta ca' Muddica. Ready in less than 20 minutes!

    Overheat shot of pasta with breadcrumbs.
    Jump to:
    • Pasta with Breadcrumbs Recipe
    • Why We Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to make the Pasta with Breadcrumbs?
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More Italian Pasta Recipes
    • Pasta with Breadcrumbs
    • Comments

    Pasta with Breadcrumbs Recipe

    I made this dish in only 3 easy steps: First, I blitzed some stale bread in the food processor to make the breadcrumbs (Pangrattato). Second, I toasted them until golden. Third, I sprinkled them on top of my cooked pasta, along with some parmesan cheese. So simple!

    I love this recipe because it brings a tasty and easy twist to my pasta.

    Any time I have stale bread in my kitchen, I don't let that go to waste, I use it to make Pangrattato, which is the toasted breadcrumbs. Not only to use for making this pasta but to use in a lot of other dishes. It is an easy topping for grilled veggies, chicken or some dips.

    It's a unique recipe in which you'll be surprised how yummy adding toasted breadcrumbs to pasta can taste.

    Nonetheless, don't be afraid to experiment with ingredients and make your own little recipe (scroll down to read our 'Recipe Variation' section for our top suggestions).

    A fork full of pasta with breadcrumbs.

    Why We Love This Recipe

    • A budget-friendly pasta dish made with simple ingredients.
    • Super easy to make with only 5 pantry staples ingredients.
    • This breadcrumb pasta recipe is good for lunch or dinner for the whole family.
    • A good way to use up any leftover stale bread you have.

    Ingredients

    “See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”

    Spaghetti or Pasta: Whatever shape of pasta you like best.

    Olive Oil: I used extra virgin, of course.

    Bread crumbs: Grated only coarsely and fresh!

    Ground black pepper: Just what you have at home.

    Parmesan cheese: For garnishing, before you serve.

    How to make the Pasta with Breadcrumbs?

    The process of making this dish involves combing two different preparations. Firstly, we'll prepare the pasta, after which we will fry the homemade breadcrumbs. In the end, we put it all together.

    How to make homemade breadcrumbs.

    One, (Make the bread crumbs): Put your stale bread in the food processor and blitz until breadcrumbs form.

    Two, (Cook the pasta): Take a large pot of water and allow it to boil over high heat. Once you find it boiling, add in some salt. Then, proceed to add in your choice of pasta and cook it according to package instructions or until al dente.

    Tip: I only add salt once, while cooking the pasta. If the salt that you add is not enough for you, then you can add in some extra whilst you're combining the pasta and the breadcrumbs.

    Al dente literally translates to 'to the tooth' in Italian, but it just means cooking your pasta until it's got a nice bite to it. Drain it and set it aside for later.

    Toast the breadcrumbs, add the pasta and top with cheese.

    Three: Heat the olive oil in this large skillet over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs, and fry (stirring often) until golden brown.

    Four: Sprinkle some black pepper over the breadcrumbs.

    Five: Now, add the cooked spaghetti (or whatever choice of pasta you had picked) that we had set aside earlier to this mixture of olive oil and breadcrumbs. Toss the pasta in the breadcrumbs for an even coating.

    Six: Lastly, garnish this pasta with parmesan cheese and serve.

    Voila! The easiest pasta recipe you have probably cooked is ready to be served.

    A fork full of pasta with breadcrumbs.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Garlic: Just plop some finely diced garlic along with the olive oil, and relish its goodness with no extra effort.
    • Lemon Zest: Allow it to sizzle in the olive oil before adding any other ingredients. You can also add the juice of half a lemon if you like the flavour it brings to the pasta.
    • Artichokes: They don't just add extra oomph to the pasta, they're also healthy.
    • Olives: When it comes to pasta, olives are always a good idea.
    • Chopped Parsley: Enrich your pasta with the freshness of a herb.
    • Coriander: You can also opt for coriander for garnishing.
    • Chili flakes/ground red pepper: Fan of chilly food? Don't forget to add your favorite spice then.
    • Anchovy fillets: To use them, just saute with garlic until melted.

    If you choose to utilize any of the recipe variations mentioned below, add them to the dish before or after the breadcrumbs, depending on what flavours you'd like your breadcrumbs to absorb.

    Serving Suggestions

    This simple yet versatile recipe can be paired with Rocket Salad with Parmesan or Italian Tomato And Onion Salad.

    You can even add a baked side of your favourite protein such as Baked Honey Glazed Salmon or some delicious veggies such as Roasted Green Beans and Carrots. It's also always great, devoured on its very own. Happy Munching!

    Storage

    Store: You can store this Pasta ca' Muddica in an airtight container in the fridge for a good 3-5 days, where it'll still taste good.

    To reheat: Take it out a 30 minutes in advance, reheat it in in the microwave and serve!

    Freeze: I suggest you only freeze the breadcrumbs and cook the pasta fresh whenever necessary. You can always give the breadcrumbs another shallow fry once they're out of the fridge/freezer as well.

    Overheat shot to pasta with breadcrumbs.

    More Italian Pasta Recipes

    • Easy Pasta Al Forno Recipe
    • Italian Shrimp Pasta Salad
    • Angel Hair Pasta
    • sesame peanut noodles.
      Sesame Peanut Noodles
    • Macaroni Bechamel.
      Macaroni Bechamel (Egyptian Baked Pasta)
    • A serving plate full of Mexican taco spaghetti.
      Easy Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
    • Marmite Pasta
      Easy Marmite Pasta

    I hope you like my recipe as much as I do! Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to recipe all the latest recipes once published! You can also follow Healthy Life Trainer on Pinterest.

    Overheat shot to pasta with breadcrumbs.
    Print Pin
    5 from 3 votes

    Pasta with Breadcrumbs

    This Pasta with Breadcrumbs and cheese is a simple and easy Italian recipe known as Pasta ca' Muddica. Ready in less than 20 minutes!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian
    Diet Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 381kcal
    Author Radwa

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Skillet
    • Measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    • 400 g spaghetti
    • ¼ cup olive oil plus
    • 4 slices stale bread , crusts removed
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese , for serving

    Instructions

    • Put the bread in the food processor and blitz until breadcrumbs form.
      4 slices stale bread
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain it and set it aside.
      400 g spaghetti, ½ teaspoon salt
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat, add the breadcrumbs and fry (stirring often) until golden brown.
      ¼ cup olive oil plus
    • Sprinkle the black pepper over the breadcrumbs.
      ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Now, add spaghetti to the breadcrumbs and toss to coat.
    • Garnish with parmesan cheese.
      2 tablespoon parmesan cheese

    Notes

    I only add salt once while cooking the pasta. If the salt that you add is not enough for you, then you can add in some extra whilst you're combining the pasta and the breadcrumbs. 
    Store: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a good 3-5 days, where it'll still taste good.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HealthyLifeTrainer or tag #healthylifetrainer!

    About Radwa

    Hi, I am Radwa! I've always been fond of food—seriously, it's my love language. I share my tried-and-true recipes and provide easy, step-by-step recipes that anyone can follow.

    Comments

    1. Beth says

      July 26, 2022 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      Italian means delicious!

      Reply
    2. Riley says

      July 26, 2022 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe, and it was amazing; I even used the Pangrattato recipe that I made earlier instead of just bread crumbs.

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Healthy Life Trainer

    Hello! I’m Radwa, A wife and mother. Also, I am the recipe maker and food photographer behind Healthy Life Trainer. I love making new, simple and quick recipes every day.

    More about me→

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