Baked Stellini Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Baked Stellini Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tiny star-shaped pasta
with a creamy sauce, savory seasonings, and melted cheese. Stellini, meaning “little stars” in Italian,
is often used in soups, but when baked, it transforms into a rich, hearty casserole that’s perfect for
family dinners or potlucks. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and a fun twist on traditional baked pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups stellini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add stellini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cooked stellini with sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- Layer and Top: Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Description
This baked stellini pasta is cheesy, creamy, and bursting with Italian flavors.
The small star pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, giving every bite a balance of tangy tomato,
rich cheese, and fragrant herbs. It’s comfort food at its best — simple yet delicious.
Tips
- Add ground beef, chicken, or sausage for a meaty version.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a little cream cheese with the ricotta.
- Use a mix of cheeses (like provolone or fontina) for more depth of flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Correction
If you don’t have stellini pasta, you can substitute with orzo, ditalini, or macaroni,
which bake up with a similar texture. Just keep the baking time the same.
Enjoy
Serve your baked stellini pasta hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
It’s the perfect cozy meal that brings smiles to the table!
