The Most Delicious Dinner in 10 Minutes: My Grandmother’s Stellini Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

My Grandmother’s Stellini Pasta Bake is the ultimate quick comfort meal. With its tender star-shaped pasta, rich tomato base, melted cheese, and homely flavors, it delivers hearty satisfaction in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary memories.

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Origin and Cultural Significance

“Stellini” means little stars in Italian. These delicate pasta shapes are often used in broths and soups, particularly in Italian households where they’ve long been a favorite for children. Turning them into a baked casserole was my grandmother’s inventive way to transform an everyday ingredient into a family treat. This recipe represents the Italian tradition of making comforting, budget-friendly meals while celebrating the love and warmth of home cooking.

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Ingredients (serves 4)

Stellini (small star pasta): 1 cup (about 150 g)

Tomato sauce or passata: 1 cup (240 ml)

Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup (100 g)

Parmesan cheese, grated: ¼ cup (25 g)

Olive oil: 1 tbsp

Garlic, minced: 1 clove

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp

Salt: ½ tsp

Black pepper: ¼ tsp

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Optional Additions

Add cooked crumbled sausage, diced ham, or rotisserie chicken for protein.

Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy vibe.

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Tips for Success

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after baking.

Use a good-quality tomato sauce for depth of flavor.

Preheat your broiler or oven so the cheese browns quickly without overcooking the pasta.

Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of freshness.

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven or broiler to 200 °C / 400 °F.

2. Cook the stellini in salted boiling water for 4–5 minutes (or as per package directions) until just al dente. Drain well.

3. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute.

4. Stir in the drained stellini, tossing to coat with sauce.

5. Transfer to a small baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Bake or broil for 3–4 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.

7. Garnish with basil or parsley. Serve hot.

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Description

Golden, bubbly cheese crowns a bed of tender stellini coated in bright tomato sauce. Each forkful brings the comforting flavors of pasta night — cheesy, tangy, and lightly garlicky, with a satisfying crunch where the cheese meets the pan.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

Calories: 260 kcal

Protein: 10 g

Fat: 12 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sodium: 400 mg

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Conclusion and Recommendation

This quick Stellini Pasta Bake is proof that a delicious, heartwarming dinner doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal — or simply enjoy it as a stand-alone comfort dish.

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Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Choose whole-wheat stellini or other small pasta to increase fiber.

Use part-skim mozzarella or reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.

Add a handful of fresh veggies or lean protein for extra nutrients.

Savor slowly — its warmth and nostalgia are part of the experience.