Mediterranean Fusion Pasticcio: Easy Greek-Italian Baked Pasta

Pasticcio Recipe

Description: Not exactly Greek – not exactly Italian – from Pasta Quick & Easy! Prepare in advance, put in the oven after work, make a salad & you’ve got dinner.

Recipe Category: One Dish Meal

Keywords: Pasta Shells, Meat, Greek, European, Kid Friendly, Winter, Roast, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 512.7
• Fat: 23.9g
• Saturated Fat: 9.6g
• Cholesterol: 189.6mg
• Sodium: 553.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 38.1g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 6.9g
• Protein: 31.9g

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 anchovy fillet, minced (optional)
• 8 oz pasta shells
• 4 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and dry white wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and minced anchovy fillet (if using). Adjust seasoning if needed.

Pasta:

1. Cook pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.

2. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

3. Stir in heavy cream until the pasta is evenly coated. Set aside.

Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, beat together plain yogurt, eggs, and nutmeg until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Spread half of the cooked pasta mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

3. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the pasta layer.

4. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and meat mixtures.

5. Spread the yogurt and egg topping mixture evenly over the final layer.

6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Cooking:

1. Bake the assembled pasticcio in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.

2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy Your Pasticcio!

This delightful dish blends the flavors of Greece and Italy into a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Serve with a fresh salad on the side for a complete dinner that everyone will love!