Feel free to experiment with different types of leftover pasta. Smaller shapes like ditalini or orzo also work well. For a richer flavor, use homemade Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the final baking stage. This pastera can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. If you don't have pecorino romano cheese, you can substitute parmesan cheese.
Naunie's Pastera (Leftover Easter Pasta Bake)
-
PREP TIME30 mins
-
COOK TIME2 hrs 40 mins
-
TOTAL TIME3 hrs 10 mins
-
SERVING24 People
-
VIEWS10
Transform your leftover pasta into a stunning Italian bake! This hearty pastera, traditionally enjoyed around Easter, combines various pasta shapes with savory sausage and a rich, cheesy egg custard for a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for using up odds and ends.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate15 g
-
Cholesterol131 mg
-
Fiber1 g
-
Protein10 g
-
Saturated Fat3 g
-
Sodium234 mg
-
Sugar1 g
-
Fat10 g
-
Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Grease a 2-quart and a 1 1/2-quart round glass baking dish each with 3/4 teaspoon olive oil; drizzle 1 tablespoon of remaining olive oil into the bottom of each baking dish.
02
StepBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni, ziti, farfalle, and radiatore pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite (al dente), 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well.
03
StepArrange sausage slices on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
04
StepBake sausage in the preheated oven until browned and crisp, 30 to 45 minutes. Lower oven heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
05
StepIn a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy using an electric mixer. Add Pecorino-Romano cheese, salt, and black pepper; continue to beat the egg mixture with the electric mixer on the highest speed until the eggs and cheese are well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the cooked pasta into the egg and cheese mixture; the mixture should be runny, and the pasta should appear to be floating in the egg mixture. If needed, stir in additional beaten eggs and Pecorino-Romano cheese until the desired consistency is achieved.
06
StepLadle spoonfuls of the egg-pasta mixture into each casserole dish, followed by a layer of sausage. Continue layering pasta mixture and sausage until all sausage has been used. Top casseroles with a final layer of pasta mixture. Drizzle the top of each casserole with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Small pieces of pasta should stick out of the egg mixture.
07
StepBake in the oven until casseroles are set in the center, about 1 hour. Raise oven heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until the tops of casseroles are browned and crispy, 1 to 1 1/2 more hours.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
RECIPE REVIEWS
LEAVE A REVIEW
Please Rate
Kaela Stroman
Jun 20, 2025I used different types of cheese since I didn't have Pecorino Romano, and it still turned out great! Very versatile recipe.
Thora Stehr
Jun 19, 2025This is the perfect dish for a potluck. It's easy to transport and everyone always raves about it.
Sammie Moen
Jun 16, 2025My family loved this! It's a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables too. I mixed in some spinach and they didn't even notice.
Rosie Hilpert
Jun 13, 2025A real crowd-pleaser! This recipe has become a staple in our house, especially after holidays.
Nyah Jones
Jun 13, 2025So comforting and delicious! It's like a warm hug in a casserole dish.
Kelsie Schaden
Jun 12, 2025I had to adjust the baking time a bit, but the end result was fantastic. Crispy on top and creamy in the middle.
Cecelia Nolan
Jun 10, 2025The sausage adds such a nice savory element. I might try adding a little red pepper flake next time for a touch of heat.
Julien Hartmann
Jun 9, 2025This recipe is genius! I always have leftover pasta, and this is a much better way to use it up than just throwing it away.