Description

This cozy one-pot pasta is rich, creamy, and full of bold tomato-beef flavor. The pasta cooks right in the sauce for an easy, mess-free meal perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 onion, finely chopped

500 g / 1 lb ground beef (beef mince)

2 tsp Italian herbs

2 tbsp tomato paste

400 g / 14 oz crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth (or beef stock)

350 g / 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, etc.)

3/4 cup heavy cream (or thickened cream)

Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook Beef:
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Add Herbs and Tomato Paste:
Stir in Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Simmer Sauce and Pasta:
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add pasta and ensure it’s fully submerged. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Cream:
Once pasta is nearly tender, stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.

Serve:
Remove from heat. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.

Substitute beef broth for a deeper flavor or use gluten-free pasta if needed.

For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals, Pasta
Method: One-Pot Cooking, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American