Stanley Tucci’s Baked Pasta Recipe

It’s no surprise that people love watching Stanley Tucci cook—his charm, confidence, and effortless approach to Italian food are simply captivating. In one of his TikTok videos, Tucci casually walks viewers through how he transforms leftover farfalle into an utterly tempting baked pasta dish. His nonchalant cooking style makes you feel like you, too, can whip up something delicious with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

After watching the video, we knew we had to break it down step by step. Below, we’ll guide you through the recipe, answer common questions, and provide tips that will help you recreate Tucci’s masterpiece at home.

Stanley Tucci’s Baked Pasta Recipe

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Pasta Choice: Tucci uses leftover farfalle, but any small pasta shape works (even freshly cooked pasta!).
• ✅ Sauce: Béchamel (also called besciamella in Italian) is the secret to this creamy, comforting dish.
• ✅ Baking Tips: The pasta bake is heated in a 425°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden.

How Stanley Tucci Makes His Baked Pasta

Tucci starts with leftover farfalle, playfully describing it as "little bow ties, butterflies, whatever." From there, he layers in a combination of sautéed garlic, onion, pancetta, and peas. Next, he mixes everything with béchamel sauce before topping it with knobs of butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The entire dish is then placed in a toaster oven until it turns golden and slightly crispy on top.

When he pulls it out of the oven, the pasta looks like a dream—creamy, slightly crispy on top, and packed with flavor.

How to Make It Step by Step

1. Choose Your Pasta: While Tucci uses farfalle, you can easily swap it for fusilli, conchiglie, elbows, orecchiette, penne, or ziti. If you don’t have leftover pasta, cook some fresh (about ¼ to ½ pound dry pasta), making sure to leave it slightly al dente.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Pancetta: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add ¼ pound of diced pancetta and cook until it turns crispy. Then, add:
   • 1 or 2 cloves of chopped garlic
   • ½ small diced onion
   Cook until the onion and garlic are soft and fragrant. Finally, toss in 1 cup of peas (frozen is fine!) and stir until they are heated through but still bright green.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce (Or Use Store-Bought!): Béchamel, one of the classic French mother sauces, is simply a combination of butter, flour, and milk. Italians call it besciamella, and it often includes a hint of nutmeg.

If you want to make homemade béchamel, here’s the basic process:

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute until golden.
• Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk, stirring continuously until a smooth, creamy consistency forms.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

No time to make your own? Store-bought béchamel or jarred Alfredo sauce works just fine! (Just reduce the final Parmesan topping if using Alfredo.)

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake: Combine the cooked pasta, béchamel sauce, and sautéed pancetta-veggie mixture in a casserole dish. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Top It Off With Butter and Cheese: Before baking, Tucci adds knobs of butter across the surface and sprinkles a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the pasta for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is slightly crispy and golden brown. If you want an extra crispy topping, broil for 1 minute at the end.

Your Questions Answered

What if I Don’t Have Farfalle?

Tucci’s relaxed cooking style means you don’t need to follow the recipe exactly. Any short pasta—penne, fusilli, orecchiette, elbows, conchiglie, or ziti—will work perfectly.

Do I Have to Use Leftover Pasta?

Nope! You can make fresh pasta right before assembling the dish—just cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What Is Béchamel Sauce, and Can I Use a Shortcut?

Béchamel (or besciamella in Italian) is a buttery, creamy white sauce made from a roux (butter + flour) and milk. It adds a velvety texture to the dish. If you’re short on time, store-bought béchamel or Alfredo sauce works fine!

Can I Add Extra Ingredients?

Absolutely! While Tucci keeps it simple, you can customize the pasta with:

• Shredded mozzarella or fontina for extra gooeyness.
• A sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch on top.
• Chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finishing touch.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try This Recipe?

Yes! Stanley Tucci’s baked pasta recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, this dish is a cozy, fuss-free dinner that feels fancy without the effort. Make it any time of day—Tucci himself filmed the video before 10 a.m., so there are no rules here!

So grab a glass of red wine, bake up this easy pasta dish, and enjoy a meal worthy of an Italian chef. 🍷🍝