Fried Pasta with Garlic and Herbs is a simple, quick dish—crispy, aromatic, and full of flavor.

Fried pasta with garlic and herbs in a pan

Sometimes the simplest things turn out the best.

Frying cooked pasta is a great way to give it a completely new texture. It becomes slightly crispy on the outside, while still soft inside. With just garlic and herbs, you get a dish that feels different, even though it’s made from very basic ingredients.

I often make it when I have leftover pasta and don’t feel like cooking something from scratch. It’s quick, easy, and always works.

How to choose the best ingredients

Pasta: Penne or fusilli work best—they hold their shape well during frying and get nicely crispy on the edges. I don’t recommend farfalle here, as it tends to break apart

Herbal barbecue spice: Use your favorite blend or keep it simple with herbs like basil and oregano—they pair perfectly with pasta and garlic

Olive oil: Choose good-quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds flavor and helps the pasta crisp up nicely

Top Tip for Success

You can cook the pasta a day ahead—it actually works better for frying once it’s cooled
Leftover pasta is perfect here—a great way to turn it into something quick and different
For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated cheese while still warm—it melts slightly and brings everything together
Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed so the pasta gets crispy, not steamed
Let the pasta sit for a moment before stirring—that’s how you get those golden, crispy edges

How to Enjoy!

With Juicy Basil Pesto Chicken with Melted Mozzarella — a fresh and aromatic pairing
With Cheesy Red Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella — a deeper, richer flavor combination
With a simple spinach salad — adds freshness and balance
As a side to grilled or baked meats — easy and versatile
On its own — a quick, simple dish when you don’t need anything more

Can you prepare Fried Pasta with Garlic and Herbs in Air Fryer

Yes, of course you can prepare fried pasta in Air Fryer. To do this, mix the ingredients well, add a spoonful of oil and put in the air fryer to 190 degrees C (374 F) for literally 4-5 minutes.