Cooking is an art that brings families together, and this Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese Recipe offers a blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and delightful aromas. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to create this delicious dish, ensuring every bite bursts with taste and nostalgia.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To prepare this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stellini pasta | 500 grams |
| Butter | 50 grams |
| All-purpose flour | 15 grams |
| Milk | 500 milliliters |
| Grated mozzarella cheese | 100 grams |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 |
| Minced garlic cloves | 3 |
| Minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey) | 700 grams |
| Tomato sauce | 200 grams |
| Vegetable oil (for cooking) | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Dry powdered nutmeg | A pinch |
| Meat seasoning | A pinch |
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Stellini Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the Stellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Heat the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add a pinch of salt and a dash of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.
Set the béchamel sauce aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Increase the heat to high and add the minced meat. Cook until browned.
- Season with meat seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Begin by layering half of the cooked Stellini pasta at the bottom.
- Add half of the meat mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
- Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the meat layer.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat, and béchamel sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair this creamy pasta bake with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
