Here is a complete guide to making Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese, covering its history, methods, and nutritional profile.
Introduction: A Star of Comfort Food
Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese is a classic Italian comfort dish, beloved for its simplicity and rich, creamy texture. It transforms humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying and nostalgic. While Stellini is a type of pastina—very small star-shaped pasta—this recipe often features it in a baked, casserole-style dish with layers of savory meat sauce and mashed potatoes, crowned with melted cheese.
The History & Roots of Stellini
· What is Stellini? Stellini, also known as stelline or stellette, is a small, star-shaped pasta. Historically, it is a variation of star-shaped pasta popular since the 1500s. Its tiny size makes it perfect for soups and simple dishes.
· Pastina Tradition: Stellini is part of the broader category of pastina (“tiny pasta”). It holds a special place in Italian culture, often served as a soothing meal to children or those feeling unwell.
· Dish Evolution: While small pastina is traditionally served in broths, this specific baked recipe shares its DNA with rustic, layered comfort foods like the British Shepherd’s Pie or Greek Moussaka. It represents a heartier, family-style preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 6-8 people and uses a classic layering technique for a full meal.
For the Meat Sauce:
· Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
· Ground Beef or Lamb: 1 lb (about 450g)
· Onion (chopped): 1 medium
· Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
· Crushed Tomatoes (canned): 14.5 oz (about 410g)
· Beef Broth: 1/2 cup
· Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
· Salt & Black Pepper: to taste
For the Pasta Layer:
· Stellini Pasta: 500g
· Salt: for boiling water
For the Creamy Mashed Potato Layer:
· Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): 4 large, peeled and chopped
· Milk (whole): 1/2 cup
· Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
· Salt: to taste
For the Topping:
· Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
· Prep Time: ~30 minutes
· Cook Time: ~25 minutes
· Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Method 1: The Stovetop Classic (Simple & Quick)
This method highlights pastina’s traditional, comforting nature.
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the stellini pasta and cook according to package directions until tender. Because pastina is so small, avoid overcooking it into mush unless a softer texture is desired for children.
2. Combine & Cream: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Return the hot pasta to the pot. Add a generous amount of butter and the shredded mozzarella. Stir vigorously, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy, emulsified sauce.
3. Serve Immediately: Dish it up while hot. This version is creamy, simple, and ready in minutes.
Method 2: The Hearty Baked Casserole
This is the layered, family-feast version as detailed in the search results.
1. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground meat. Add chopped onion, cook until soft, then add garlic and oregano. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Season, simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil the stellini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil chopped potatoes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with milk, butter, and salt until smooth.
4. Assemble the Layers: In a greased baking dish, create the first layer with half of the mashed potatoes. Spread the cooked stellini pasta evenly over the potatoes. Next, add the entire meat sauce as the third layer. Carefully top with the remaining mashed potatoes, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
5. Bake: Place in the preheated oven (375°F/190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the bake stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Nutritional Benefits & Profile
This dish is a source of energy and essential nutrients, though it is a hearty comfort food best enjoyed in moderation.
Key Benefits:
· Energy-Dense: The pasta and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
· Protein-Packed: The ground meat and cheese offer a good amount of protein for muscle repair and satiety.
· Calcium Source: Mozzarella cheese contributes calcium for bone health.
Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated per serving):
For reference, here’s the profile of a similar hearty pasta bake (cheese-filled tortellini with cream sauce). Your stellini bake will have a comparable profile.
· Calories: High (e.g., ~383 kcal per 250g serving for similar dish)
· Carbohydrates: Primary energy source (e.g., ~42g)
· Protein: Good source (e.g., ~15g)
· Fat: Moderate, includes saturated fat from cheese and meat (e.g., ~17g)
· Sodium: Can be high due to cheese, broth, and seasoning
To Make it Lighter:
· Use lean ground meat (turkey or chicken).
· Reduce the cheese topping or use a part-skim variety.
· Increase the proportion of vegetable-based tomato sauce.
Who Are Its Lovers?
This dish appeals to a wide audience due to its comforting qualities:
· Families with Children: The fun star shape and creamy texture make it a hit with kids. Pastina is famously one of the first solid foods for babies and a go-to for picky eaters.
· Comfort Food Seekers: Anyone desiring a warm, nostalgic, and filling meal.
· Home Cooks: It’s an excellent dish for using leftovers and feeding a crowd, embodying resourceful cooking traditions.
Conclusion
Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile dish that can be a quick, creamy pot of solace or a magnificent, layered centerpiece for the dinner table. Its history is rooted in Italian tradition and global comfort food, making it a timeless recipe that connects simplicity with deep, satisfying flavor. Whether you choose the quick stovetop method or the hearty baked version, it promises a delicious, crowd-pleasing experience.
I hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to make this wonderful dish. Would you like any tips on ingredient substitutions or making parts of this recipe ahead of time?
