Noodle and Cheese Casserole – Pastice

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Albania. I remember the way the warm, cheesy scent of this simple casserole, Pastice, would fill the air as we played in the yard. It was a dish reserved for special occasions, but it always felt like a hug on a plate – comforting, satisfying, and deeply rooted in family tradition. Watching my grandmother expertly layer the spaghetti and cheese, I knew this wasn’t just a meal; it was a piece of our history.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 10-12
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 16 ounces dried spaghetti
• 2 cups feta cheese
• 2 cups kashkaval, Bulgarian kesseri or 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 3 eggs

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large bowl
• Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inch)
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously, as this is your chance to season the pasta itself. Cook until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

2. While the spaghetti is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.

3. In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese, kashkaval (or mozzarella cheese), milk, and eggs. Whisk thoroughly until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is relatively smooth. A few lumps of feta are fine.

4. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Be sure to remove as much water as possible.

5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture in the bowl. Gently mix until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the cheese sauce. Be careful not to break the spaghetti while mixing.

6. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.

7. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out relatively clean. Let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of lower-fat varieties. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to the cheese mixture for extra richness.
• If you don’t have kashkaval, mozzarella is a good substitute, but it will have a milder flavor. A combination of mozzarella and provolone can also work well.
• To prevent the top from browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• If you want a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
• For make-ahead prep, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• To adjust the saltiness, taste the cheese mixture before adding the spaghetti. Feta cheese can vary in saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti initially. It should be al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy casserole.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Pastice is best served warm, straight from the oven. It’s delicious on its own or as a side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	316.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	11.2 g	17%
Saturated Fat	6.8 g	33%
Cholesterol	92.8 mg	30%
Sodium	394.7 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	38.8 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1.5 g	5%
Sugars	2.5 g	N/A
Protein	14.5 g	28%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s suitable for your dietary needs.
• Lower Fat: Use part-skim mozzarella and non-fat milk to reduce the fat content.
• Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little heat.
• Herbaceous: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme into the cheese mixture for added flavor. About 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs should suffice.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the spaghetti mixture. This is a great way to add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan can all be used in place of or in addition to the feta and kashkaval.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also work, but the texture will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing.

Q: What can I do if the top is browning too quickly?
A: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.

Q: Can I add meat to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can add cooked ground meat, such as beef or lamb, or crumbled sausage to the spaghetti mixture for a heartier dish.

Final Thoughts

This Noodle and Cheese Casserole, or Pastice, is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a connection to family, and a reminder of simple pleasures. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with it. Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavors. Share your creations with friends and family, and let them experience the warmth and comfort of this classic dish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!