Spaghetti Feta Pie (Pastiçio)
Looking for a pasta dish that’s different from the usual? This Spaghetti Feta Pie, also known as pastiçio, bakes al dente spaghetti with tangy feta and eggs into a sliceable casserole that’s golden on top and creamy inside! It’s a make-ahead Albanian comfort food that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
Why We Love This Albanian Pastiçio Recipe
Unlike traditional spaghetti dishes served with sauce on top, this spaghetti feta pie allows the pasta to absorb all the creamy, tangy flavors as it bakes, creating a cohesive dish with perfect texture in every bite! There are different versions of pastitsio from all over the Mediterranean, but this version is a true Albanian comfort food!
What is pastiçio?
Pastiçio (also spelled pastitsio) is a traditional Greek or Mediterranean baked pasta dish often described as a Greek version of lasagna. It typically consists of pasta layered with cheese and a custard-like mixture, then baked until golden and set.
There are many versions of pastitsio, like Greek Pastitsio, which includes a ground meat sauce and bechamel sauce, too. This Albanian pastitsio recipe is characterized by its creamy, tangy interior from feta cheese and its satisfying contrast between the crispy top and soft, flavorful interior!
Ingredients You Need
- Spaghetti: Cook it just until al dente as it will continue to soften while baking!
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to create the custard-like texture that holds everything together.
- Milk: I recommend using whole milk for the creamiest texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust!
- Feta Cheese: This is the star ingredient that gives this pastitsio its distinctive tangy flavor. Use a high quality feta cheese packed in brine and crumble it yourself, for the best flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Creates the golden, crispy top layer!
- Salt & Pepper: Add to taste.
How to Make Spaghetti Feta Pie
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp butter.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Remove pasta when they are still al dente.
- Mix Eggs, Milk & Feta: In a bowl, whisk together the crumbled feta, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place Cooked Pasta in Baking Dish: Layer the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour Egg Mixture on Top: Pour the egg, milk, and feta mixture over the spaghetti, ensuring it coats everything evenly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: Spread the remaining butter over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese all over the dish.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Let the mixture fully penetrate the pasta. After pouring the egg and feta mixture over the pasta, give it a gentle stir or press down with a spatula to make sure it reaches all layers of spaghetti.
- Rest before serving! Allow the pie to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly, making it easier to slice into clean portions. If you cut in too quickly, it won’t be set!
- Watch the top carefully. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t set, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Test for doneness. The pie is done when it’s set in the center and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti feta pie recipe is traditionally served as lunch in Albania, but is versatile enough to be served in many different meals. For a simple family dinner, serve it with a bright, lemony Greek salad to balance the richness of the pie.
For entertaining, cut the pasta pie into small squares and serve as an appetizer alongside a spread of cheese, veggies, hummus and crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cool from the refrigerator.
The spaghetti pie is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbling slightly, and the center is set (not jiggly). A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, though it might have some creamy residue.
More Recipes to Try
Spaghetti Feta Pie (Pastiçio)
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp butter.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Remove pasta when they are still al dente.
- In a bowl, whisk together the crumbled feta, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Layer the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the egg, milk, and feta mixture over the spaghetti, ensuring it coats everything evenly.
- Spread the remaining butter over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese all over the dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!