Baked Stellini Pasta is the ultimate family comfort food—tiny star-shaped pasta baked in a rich, creamy sauce with layers of cheese and savory flavor. It’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and gourmet, making it a budget-friendly dinner idea that tastes like a restaurant favorite.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for busy families who want a quick weeknight meal, college students looking for a cheap and easy pasta bake, or anyone who loves an Italian-inspired comfort food recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort.
Why It’s Great
- Uses simple pantry staples (stellini, cheese, milk, herbs).
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- Can be made ahead and reheated—great for meal prep.
- Pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups stellini pasta (tiny star pasta)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil stellini in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the base sauce – In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix it up – In a large bowl, combine the cooked stellini with the sauce. Stir in ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
- Layer the bake – In a greased baking dish, spread half the pasta, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the rest of the pasta. Top generously with cheese.
- Bake to perfection – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve & enjoy – Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for sauce
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions before baking for a quick make-ahead freezer meal.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
FAQ
Q: Can I add meat?
Yes! Ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken turn this into a protein-packed dinner.
Q: What if I can’t find stellini pasta?
You can substitute with orzo, ditalini, or elbow macaroni—it will still be a delicious pasta bake recipe.
Conclusion
This baked stellini pasta casserole is cheesy, creamy, and irresistible. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the best easy pasta dinner recipe you’ll keep making again and again.
Enjoy !!
