One-Pot Penne Rigate Pasta with Minced Meat
A rich, hearty tomato and beef pasta cooked in one pot for ultimate convenience.
Juicy minced beef, fragrant herbs, and a luscious tomato sauce coat every bite of tender pasta.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort—perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week!
One pot creamy tomato beef pasta, A Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe
Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner idea?
This one-pot penne rigate pasta with minced meat is the perfect solution!
Made with a creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly infused pasta, this dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Plus, it saves you from washing multiple dishes—everything cooks in one pot!
Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free meal, this one-pot pasta recipe is a game-changer.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with rich flavors that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot needed, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich & Creamy: The sauce perfectly coats the pasta for a comforting dish.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on preference or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: A meal that both kids and adults will enjoy!
Ingredients for One-Pot Penne Rigate Pasta with Minced Meat
– Main Ingredients:
- 450g minced meat (beef or veal, depending on your preference)
- 300g penne rigate (or any other short pasta of your choice)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for added flavour and perfect cooking)
- 1 chopped onion (yellow onion preferred for a mild sweetness)
- 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to taste for extra depth of flavor)
– For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste (to intensify the flavor)
- 450g fresh tomatoes, peeled and blended (for a rich, homemade sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (adds a mild heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander (adds a subtle fragrance)
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin (enhances the warmth of the dish)
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried or fresh, for an aromatic touch)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on preference)
– Cheese & Garnish:
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for a deep, savoury taste)
- 2 tbsp grated Idam cheese (or any cheese that melts well)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish and extra freshness)
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Penne Rigate Pasta with Minced Meat
– Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat
- Add minced beef or veal to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Once browned, add coriander, cumin, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Mix well to coat the meat in spices and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
– Step 3: Add the Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato paste and mix well to intensify the sauce.
- Pour in blended fresh tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a thick sauce.
– Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pot
- Pour in hot water (just enough to cook the pasta) and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add penne rigate directly into the pot and stir to ensure it’s submerged.
- Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
– Step 5: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in grated Parmesan and Idam cheese.
- Mix well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and melty!
Variations: Customize Your One-Pot Pasta
Want to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences? Here are some delicious variations:
– For a Creamier Dish:
- Add Crème Fraîche or Cream Cheese: Stir in 100ml of heavy cream or 2 tbsp of mascarpone for a silkier sauce.
- Use Mozzarella: Swap Idam cheese for grated mozzarella for an extra stringy, cheesy texture.
- Replace Water with Milk or Broth: Use a mix of broth and milk with a little cornstarch for a thicker, creamier sauce.
– For a Lighter Version:
- Choose Lean Meat: Use 5% fat ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lower-fat option.
- Reduce Oil: Cook onions with just 1 tbsp of oil or use a non-stick spray.
- Use Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat Parmesan or a lighter cheese alternative.
- Switch to Whole-Wheat Pasta: Increase fiber and nutrients by using whole-wheat or legume-based pasta.
– For a Different Protein:
- Ground or Shredded Chicken: A lighter and tender alternative to beef.
- Ground Turkey: Less fatty but still packed with flavor.
- Crumbled Sausage: Use beef or poultry sausages for an extra hearty meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Don’t add too much water! Use just enough to cook the pasta—this ensures the sauce remains thick and flavorful.
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste; spices can always be increased or reduced.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier texture—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
– Can I Freeze This Pasta?
Absolutely! Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
– What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Penne rigate is ideal, but you can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni. Just ensure the pasta is short so it cooks evenly in one pot.
Other dishes to try
one pot tomato and beef pasta, quick dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A rich tomato and beef pasta cooked in one pot for ultimate convenience. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish delivers bold flavours with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 450 gr minced meat
- 300 gr penne rigate
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
- 450 gr fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp grated Idam
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add minced beef or veal to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Once browned, add coriander, cumin, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Mix well to coat the meat in spices and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and mix well to intensify the sauce.
- Pour in blended fresh tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a thick sauce.
- Pour in hot water (just enough to cook the pasta) and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add penne rigate directly into the pot and stir to ensure it’s submerged.
- Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in grated Parmesan and Idam cheese.
- Mix well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and melty!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: italian cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
