Ingredients

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
1/4 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 pound ziti pasta
1/4 pound farfalle ( bow tie ) pasta
1/4 pound radiatore pasta
1 pound sweet Italian sausage links , cut into 1/2- inch slices
12 jumbo eggs , or more if needed
1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese , or more if needed
salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , or more to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that uses up leftover pasta, then Naunie's Pastera is the perfect recipe for you. This dish was created by my grandmother, who used to cook it after every Easter with the leftover pasta. She added eggs, sausage, and cheese to make it flavorful and satisfying. The dish is easy to make and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The addition of the jumbo eggs and sausage links makes it a great option to feed a crowd, and the leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day. Each bite of the pasta bake is rich and delicious, and it is perfect comfort food that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Cook elbow macaroni, ziti pasta, farfalle pasta, and radiatore pasta according to package directions, reduce cooking time by 3 minutes to ensure the pasta is al dente.
3.Drain pasta and transfer it back to the pot. Toss the pasta with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and set it aside.
4.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook them until they are browned all over, for about 8 minutes.
5.In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with 1/2 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
6.Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat it over medium-low heat.
7.Pour the beaten egg mixture into the skillet. Stir the mixture with a spatula for about 1-2 minutes, scraping the edges and bottom of the skillet until the eggs start to set but are still runny.
8.Add the pasta to the skillet with the eggs and sausage. Toss everything together until well combined.
9.Pour the pasta and egg mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with more Pecorino Romano cheese.
10.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.

PROS

Naunie’s Pastera is an excellent way to use up leftover pasta, and it is a delicious and hearty meal.

The combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese makes the dish flavorful and satisfying.

CONS

The dish can be heavy due to the heavy use of cheese, sausage, and eggs, and it is not recommended for those with lactose intolerance or high cholesterol levels.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Naunie’s Pastera is not a particularly healthy dish, it can provide a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they can help promote the feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight loss.
Sausage is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
Cheese is high in calcium, which is essential for bone health, but it is also high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease.

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