Recipe
Pittsburgh-style Chifferi Pasta Bake
Steel City Cheesy Chifferi Delight
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Pittsburgh with this hearty and comforting Chifferi pasta bake. This recipe combines the traditional Italian dish with a touch of Pittsburgh's culinary heritage, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Shellfish-free
Allergens
Milk, Wheat
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
In this Pittsburgh-style adaptation, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in the cuisine of Pittsburgh. The addition of cheddar cheese and mustard gives the dish a unique tangy twist, reminiscent of the city's famous sandwiches. The pasta bake is also baked until golden and crispy, adding a delightful texture that sets it apart from the traditional Italian preparation. We alse have the original recipe for Chifferi, so you can check it out.
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500g (1.1 lb) chifferi pasta 500g (1.1 lb) chifferi pasta
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2 cups (240g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups (240g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
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1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 16g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 1.2g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
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2.Cook the chifferi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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3.In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
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4.Reduce the heat to low and add the milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through.
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5.Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the saucepan, stirring until melted and smooth.
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6.Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cooked chifferi pasta. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
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7.Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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8.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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9.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Chifferi pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains its shape and texture in the final dish.
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese — Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Dijon mustard — Opt for a good quality Dijon mustard to add a tangy kick to the dish.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Customize the dish by adding cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty variation.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crispy crust.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw to complement the flavors.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Serving advice
Serve the Pittsburgh-style Chifferi pasta bake hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread.
Presentation advice
To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top of the baked pasta. Serve it in individual portions or family-style in a large baking dish.
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