Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese – Creamy, Baked & Totally Irresistible 🍝🧀✨
There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of a pasta bake coming out of the oven — especially when it layers tender Stellini pasta , a silky béchamel sauce , and a savory meat-tomato filling , crowned with golden, gooey mozzarella cheese.
This Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese is the kind of baked pasta that feels like home — warm, cheesy, and filled with deep flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead dinner idea, this recipe delivers bold Italian richness without being overly complicated.
Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, crowd-pleasing baked pasta!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Stellini Pasta Bake
- Creamy & comforting : Béchamel meets tomato-braised meat for a balanced flavor.
- Great for family dinners : A kid-approved comfort classic with grown-up flair.
- Make-ahead magic : Prep it the night before and bake fresh when ready.
- Perfect texture contrast : Al dente pasta, soft meat, and bubbly cheese.
- Hearty yet easy : Made with pantry-friendly ingredients — no fancy steps needed.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the pasta:
- 500g Stellini pasta (or any small pasta like rigatoni or penne)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the meat layer:
- 700g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 200g tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes for a fresher base)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of meat seasoning or Italian herbs
- Vegetable oil or olive oil (for sautéing)
For the béchamel sauce:
- 50g unsalted butter (¼ cup / 1 stick)
- 15g all-purpose flour (about 1 tbsp)
- 500ml milk (whole or low-fat, warmed)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
- 100g grated mozzarella cheese (or mix with cheddar for extra stretch)
- Optional: Parmesan shavings or fresh basil for finishing touch
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring tools
- Skillet or frying pan
- Whisk (for béchamel sauce)
- 9×13-inch baking dish or similar large casserole dish
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Spoon or ladle
- Oven mitts
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Boil the Stellini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add Stellini pasta and cook until al dente — follow package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes .
Drain well and set aside while preparing the other layers.
Step 3: Sauté the Meat Mixture
In a skillet over medium-high heat:
- Add a splash of oil , then cook onion and garlic until softened — about 2–3 minutes .
- Add ground meat and cook until browned and cooked through — breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato sauce , salt , pepper , meat seasoning , and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
Set aside once done — or keep warm while making the béchamel.
Step 4: Make the Silky Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt butter until bubbling.
- Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux — cook for 1 minute without browning.
- Gradually pour in warm milk , whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook gently for 5–7 minutes , stirring frequently, until thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Season with nutmeg , salt , and pepper — stir well and remove from heat.
Let cool slightly before mixing or layering.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
In your prepared baking dish:
- Layer half of the cooked pasta on the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the top.
- Repeat the layers: pasta → meat → béchamel.
- Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese across the top.
For extra richness, sprinkle with Parmesan or breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Gooey
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes , or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Let the baked pasta sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing — this helps everything firm up and makes serving cleaner.
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, meaty, cheesy bite!
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- With a side of garlic bread and green salad for full Italian comfort.
- Try it topped with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, or pickled peppers .
- Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for balance.
- Stack in a thermos for lunchboxes or meal-prep containers .
- Perfect alongside roasted zucchini or grilled eggplant .
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for up to 3 months . Thaw and reheat when ready.
- Make Ahead: Assemble unbaked casserole and refrigerate overnight — bake just before serving.
- Reheating: Rewarm in oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave with a damp paper towel for best texture.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature béchamel — it blends better with hot pasta.
- Don’t skip nutmeg — it gives béchamel its signature depth.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone to the béchamel.
- Swap meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicier : Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or chipotle paste to the meat layer.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, this baked pasta offers some satisfying nutrition:
- Meat delivers protein and iron for muscle support and energy.
- Milk and cheese give calcium and healthy fats in moderation.
- Pasta provides complex carbs — great for fueling active days.
- Enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle — especially with greens or lean proteins.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese proves that baked pasta doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. With its creamy béchamel , rich meat sauce , and golden cheese crust , it brings bold Italian flavor straight to your table — and your heart.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving something warm and comforting after a long day, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction.
So grab your baking dish, layer in that béchamel, and get ready to fall in love with every warm, cheesy bite!
