Nothing screams comfort food like pasta smothered in butter, baked with gooey mozzarella cheese, and packed with savory meat. If you haven’t tried Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese, you’re missing out on one of the coziest, most delicious dishes to ever come out of your oven.
This creamy baked masterpiece is a mashup of everything we love—simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and that irresistible golden cheese crust. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just indulging on a weeknight, this dish never disappoints.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
🥄 For the Pasta Base:
- 500g Stellini pasta (or any small pasta like rigatoni or penne)
- Salt (for boiling water)
🥩 For the Savory Meat Layer:
- 700g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🧈 For the Creamy Butter Layer:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt to taste
🧀 For the Cheesy Topping:
- 300g shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: extra Parmesan or a handful of breadcrumbs
🌿 Optional Toppings:
- Chopped parsley
- Chili flakes
- Fresh basil
🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep skillet or pan for cooking meat
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Grater for cheese
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1 – Boil the Stellini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Stellini until just al dente—don’t overdo it since it will bake later. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Toss in minced garlic, then add your ground meat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until nicely browned and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Butter Layer
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, then slowly mix in grated Parmesan. Let it thicken slightly. Season with a little salt and stir constantly. This forms the dreamy, silky layer that holds the whole dish together.
Step 4 – Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, layer in the cooked pasta, spoon over the meat mixture, drizzle the creamy butter sauce, and toss it slightly to mix. Top it all with a generous blanket of mozzarella.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden-bubbly.
Step 6 – Let It Rest
After baking, allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before digging in. This lets everything settle and enhances the flavors.
✨ Why This Recipe Works
This dish hits every note. The buttery richness, savory meat, creamy sauce, and golden cheese are a combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The textures are just right—al dente pasta, soft meat, gooey cheese—and the flavors meld into something totally crave-worthy.
💡 Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is your friend.
- Freshly grate your cheese—it melts better and tastes sharper.
- Let the meat brown well before removing from heat; it adds depth.
🎨 Variations and Twists
Vegetarian Option:
Swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of roasted vegetables.
Spicy Twist:
Add a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the butter sauce or sprinkle some over the top before baking.
Mediterranean-Inspired:
Add black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta to the mix.
🍽️ What to Serve with It
Perfect Sides:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad
Wine Pairing:
- A crisp white like Pinot Grigio
- Or a light red like Chianti or Sangiovese
🥶 Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven for best results (cover with foil), or use the microwave in short bursts with a splash of cream.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much cheese can overwhelm the balance—yes, it’s possible!
- Undrained pasta makes the dish watery—drain thoroughly.
- Skipping rest time ruins the structure—wait 5 minutes post-bake!
📊 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with hearty goodness—Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese is a no-brainer. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and satisfying on every level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish will become a favorite in no time.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I freeze Stellini Pasta Bake?
Yes! Just wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 180°C.
2. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
Try fontina, provolone, or even a mix of cheddar and gouda for a new twist.
3. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy top. You can skip the seasoning if needed.
5. How long will it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, covered tightly. Reheat with a bit of cream or butter for freshness.
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