Pastiçe is Albania's beloved version of baked pasta, similar to Greek pastitsio or Italian lasagna, featuring layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping that creates a comforting and satisfying dish.

This hearty dish reflects Albania's historical connections with Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines, particularly showing Greek and Italian influences while maintaining its own distinct Albanian character through local spices and preparation methods.

To prepare pastiçe, start by cooking pasta until al dente, then layering it with a rich meat sauce made from ground beef or lamb seasoned with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is then topped with a silky béchamel sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, often enhanced with a hint of nutmeg. The entire dish is finished with grated cheese and baked until golden brown and bubbling.

While the traditional recipe remains popular, modern variations might include different types of pasta, meat combinations, or additional vegetables. Some cooks add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition, while others might experiment with different cheese blends for the topping.

In Albanian homes, pastiçe is typically served as a main course for family gatherings and special occasions. It's often accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal that brings people together.

From a nutritional perspective, pastiçe is a rich and caloric dish, with a single serving containing approximately 500-600 calories. It's high in protein from the meat and calcium from the dairy components but also contains significant amounts of fat and carbohydrates. Those with gluten sensitivities should note that both the pasta and béchamel sauce contain wheat flour, though gluten-free variations can be made using alternative ingredients.