Savory baked pasta pudding

Savory Baked Pasta Pudding – a delicious recipe that evokes memories of warm family meals

Welcome to the world of flavors and textures intertwined in a unique savory pasta pudding! This recipe is a perfect combination of simple ingredients and accessible cooking techniques, resulting in a dish that will delight both family and friends. A savory pasta pudding is more than just a meal; it is an opportunity to explore tastes and bring to your table a piece of culinary tradition that has evolved over time.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I. Required ingredients:
- 400 g pasta (fusili or other preferred type)
- 125 g smoked pancetta, diced
- 100 g artichokes, sliced
- 100-150 g grated parmesan (or pecorino romano for a more intense flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream + for serving (optional)
- Salt, pepper, oregano, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

II. Cooking the pasta:
1. Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Boil the pasta for about 10 minutes until al dente. It is important to cook them a little less than the package instructions indicate, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but do not rinse under cold water. Leaving them slightly moist helps maintain an excellent texture for your pudding.

III. Preparing the filling:
1. In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced smoked pancetta and let it brown for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
2. Add the artichoke slices to the skillet, along with a pinch of pepper and oregano. If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to use dried oregano. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the artichokes to become tender and absorb the pancetta's flavors.

IV. Assembling the pudding:
1. In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs with 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 2 tablespoons of water or milk. Add the grated parmesan and mix well, ensuring a smooth mixture.
2. In a larger pot, combine the cooked pasta with the pancetta and artichokes. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and carefully stir everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with this delicious cream.

V. Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish (preferably rectangular) with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish, leveling it with a spatula. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
3. Bake the pudding in the oven for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, you can remove the foil to allow the surface to become golden and crispy.

VI. Serving:
Once the pasta pudding is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve each portion with a drizzle of sour cream on top, adding a creamy contrast that makes the dish even more appealing. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

VII. Suggestions and variations:
If you want to add a personal touch to your recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a different flavor. You can also replace pancetta with bacon or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.

VIII. Nutritional benefits:
Savory pasta pudding is not only a delicious dish but also a good source of protein and calcium, thanks to the cheese and eggs. Artichokes provide a range of antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet.

IX. Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the pasta with other types of products? Yes, you can use whole grain pasta or even rice for a gluten-free option.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, the pudding can be frozen, but make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it in cling film.

X. Calories:
A serving of savory pasta pudding contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a hearty dish, but you can reduce calories by using low-fat cheese and light sour cream.

Whether you choose to serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer, this savory pasta pudding will surely become a favorite recipe in your home. Enjoy!