Albanian Pastiçe: Easy baked pasta recipe


Craving baked pasta but want something different from lasagne or mac & cheese? Try Albanian pastiçe (pronounced pah‑STEE‑cheh). This easy pasta recipe combines al‑dente spaghetti, creamy feta and a light egg custard that bakes into a golden, savoury pie.

Albanese pastiçe in een ronde roestvrijstalen bakvorm: goudbruine korst, opengesneden wedge toont holle bucatini met feta-ei.

What is pastiçe?


Pastiçe is a traditional Albanian baked pasta that emerged in times of scarcity, when households turned pantry staples into a nourishing meal. Trade with Italy and Greece introduced pasta and feta to Albania, and they became staples in the dish.

The method is simple yet ingenious: al‑dente spaghetti (preferably hollow bucatini) is mixed with eggs, milk and generous cubes of feta, then baked until golden on top. The sturdy casserole is cut into wedge‑shaped slices and served hot or at room temperature. It recalls Greek pastítsio but retains a distinctly Albanian character.

Why bucatini? (Hollow Spagetti)


In Albania cooks often choose a thick, hollow spaghetti: bucatini, also known as perciatelli. The hollow core soaks up sauce, giving every bite perfect flavour. If you can’t find bucatini, regular spaghetti or penne works too.

Albanese-Pastice-pasta-recept

Albanese Pastiçe, Makkelijk pasta Recept

Creamy, golden‑brown casserole of bucatini, feta and eggs: an Albanian classic you slide into the oven in one dish and enjoy just as much the next day.

Cuisine: Albanian
Course: Main
Keywords: baked pasta, Albanian pastiçe, bucatini, feta, easy

  • Prep Time 15 Minutes
  • Cook time 5 Minutes
  • Total time 60 min
  • Porties 6-8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 500 g spaghetti (Bucatini) or another pasta shape
  • 2 cups (about 500 ml) milk
  • 200–300 g feta, cut into rough cubes
  • 2 tbsp Aljeta Extra Virgin Olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C / 350 °F.
  2. Cook the pasta al dente (it will finish in the oven, so avoid overcooking).
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large baking dish.
  4. Add the feta and fold gently – visible chunks are fine.
  5. Toss the drained pasta through the egg mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Scatter extra crumbled feta or a handful of grated cheese (e.g., Parmesan) over the top for a golden crust.
  7. Bake the pastiçe for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  8. Rest for five minutes, cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations in other countries

  • Greece: Pastítsio often includes cinnamon and a béchamel layer, similar to moussaka.
  • Italy: Under the name pasticcio it may contain ragù and mozzarella, like a lasagne without sheets.
  • United States: The casserole reminds Americans of an elevated mac & cheese.


Although Albanian Pastiçe spends 45 minutes in the oven, it assembles quickly with minimal ingredients and reheats beautifully—ideal for busy weeknights.

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