Description
A warm and comforting pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, savory beef, and rich flavors, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions for al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic for 30 seconds, then add the ground beef.
- Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let the sauce thicken slightly, 2–3 minutes.
- Add drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired creaminess.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy with a crisp fall salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For extra depth, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of tomato paste while simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian