Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a creamy tomato and ground beef sauce, seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. This rich and flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Pantry and Seasonings
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped sweet yellow onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Mix in the heavy cream and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley as garnish for added color and freshness.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: ground beef pasta, creamy tomato pasta, stovetop pasta dish, easy dinner recipe, comfort food pasta
