Creamy Stellini Pasta with Butter, Mozzarella & Savory Meat Sauce
Easy Comfort Food Pasta Recipe the Whole Family Will Love
This Creamy Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese is the ultimate comfort food dinner rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tiny stellini pasta (or orzo/pastina), a buttery cream sauce, and a flavorful beef tomato meat sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or when you’re craving something warm and cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Ultra creamy & cheesy thanks to butter, milk, and melted mozzarella
Kid-friendly pasta made with small, tender stellini
Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have
Perfect comfort food for lunch or dinner
Customizable use orzo, pastina, or any small pasta
High in protein from ground beef and cheese
Ingredients:
Pasta Layer
2 cups stellini pasta (or orzo / pastina)
3 tbsp butter
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup milk or cream
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Savory Meat Sauce
300–400 g ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Topping
1–1½ cups mozzarella or melting cheese
Optional: Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Directions:
Boil stellini pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the creamy butter sauce
In a pan, melt butter over low heat. Add milk or cream, then stir in shredded mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked pasta and set aside.
Make the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Assemble & bake (optional)
Layer creamy pasta, meat sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve & enjoy
Serve hot with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
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Creamy stellini pasta with butter, mozzarella, and savory beef meat sauce. An easy, comforting pasta recipe perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.