Pastina Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
Pastina Casserole combines tender cooked pastina with a rich cheese sauce made from butter, milk, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and seasonings. The mixture is baked until bubbly and topped with buttery breadcrumbs that become perfectly crisp and golden. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this casserole is ideal for family dinners, holiday side dishes, or meal prep. It's easy to customize with vegetables, cooked chicken, or Italian sausage to create a hearty one-dish meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups dry pastina
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Topping
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pastina according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Fold the cooked pastina into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
- Cook the pastina just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Whole milk creates the creamiest sauce.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for easier portioning.
- Add cooked spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months.