Stanley Tucci’s Pasta Casserole Recipe | Easy & Cheesy Baked Dish
Stanley Tucci Inspired Cheesy Pasta Bake
A revamped take on Stanley Tucci’s famous pasta casserole featuring crispy bacon, tender peas, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s been tweaked for a family-friendly, extra-flavorful bake.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the al dente Farfalle pasta with the crumbled bacon.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions for about 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and thawed peas. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir the vegetable mixture into the pasta and bacon bowl. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Lightly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top turns a golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Inspired by Stanley Tucci’s celebrated pasta casserole, this Cheesy Pasta Bake is a delightful twist that’s both sophisticated and kid friendly. With crispy bacon, tender peas, and a lusciously creamy Alfredo sauce, every bite bursts with flavor while keeping prep and cook times to a minimum.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes in the oven, dinner is ready in no time.
- Iconic Inspiration: Honoring Stanley Tucci’s culinary flair, this dish combines his favorite ingredients into a crowd-pleasing bake.
- Family Friendly: Adjusted for all ages, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, and it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or Italian bread twists available on our site.
Ingredients Needed
How to Prepare the Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and put aside. In a large bowl, place the cooked Farfalle pasta along with the crumbled bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add in the minced garlic and thawed peas, cooking an extra 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine Flavors: Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the sautéed mixture into the bowl with the pasta and bacon. Stir in the Alfredo sauce so every piece is luxuriously coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mix to your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese develops a lovely golden crust.
- Final Touch & Serve: Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
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Special Tips & Variations
For an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika into the mix before baking. Once out of the oven, finish with a gentle drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil. These small touches elevate the dish further by adding subtle layers of smoky and rich flavors that will impress any palate.
- Swap the Meat: While pancetta is the classic choice, bacon works perfectly in this recipe. Use what you have on hand!
- Sauce Swap Options: If you fancy a homemade touch, check out our internal béchamel sauce recipe for a classic alternative to store-bought Alfredo.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute peas with other veggies like chopped asparagus, green beans, or even broccoli to add a twist to the dish.
- Pasta Possibilities: Although Farfalle is recommended here, almost any short pasta will do the trick.
Leftover and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container (or securely cover with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave in 30–60 second increments until steaming, or pop the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (through step 4) up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is warmed evenly.
