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This one-pot pasta is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With tender pasta cooked directly in a rich tomato-cream sauce and hearty ground beef, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Designed for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup.
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Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Why You’ll Love Making It
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time in the kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the hassle.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the bold, savory flavors for a deeply satisfying dish.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.
- Customizable: Easily swap the protein, pasta type, or even add vegetables to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that are affordable and easy to find.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil – Use extra virgin for a richer flavor, or any light olive oil for sautéing.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced – Fresh garlic enhances the sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor.
- 1 onion, finely chopped – Yellow or brown onions work best, but red onions add a sweeter touch.
- 500g / 1 lb ground beef (beef mince) – Lean beef works best for a hearty but not greasy dish.
- 2 tsp Italian herbs – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian flavor.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – Concentrated tomato goodness to deepen the sauce.
- 400g / 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata) – Choose good-quality tomatoes for a sweeter, less acidic sauce.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat; omit for a milder dish.
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt – Adjust to taste, depending on your broth’s sodium content.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle spice.
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken stock – Using low-sodium lets you control the salt levels.
- 350g / 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni) – Opt for pasta with ridges to hold the sauce.
- 3/4 cups thickened/heavy cream – Adds the signature creamy texture.
For Serving:
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated – A sprinkle of umami-rich Parmesan elevates the dish.
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional) – Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish.
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Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 1 1/2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring no large chunks remain. Cook until no pink is visible, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to reduce its raw flavor and intensify its richness.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Add Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Simmer and Stir
Let the pasta cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the flavorful sauce. Stir more frequently toward the end as the liquid thickens.
7. Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is almost al dente, pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is fully cooked. The dish should still be slightly saucy, as the pasta will absorb more liquid as it rests.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir the pasta well to ensure even coating with the sauce. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or shells. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t cook evenly in one pot.
What can I use instead of beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince are great substitutes. You can also skip the meat altogether and double the veggies for a vegetarian version.
