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Quick One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

Quick One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce
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Quick One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce is a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly meal cooked all in one pot. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tender pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce, perfect for busy weeknights when you want minimal cleanup without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta & Sauce

  • 12 oz dry pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups chicken or beef broth

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the savory meat flavor foundation.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This adds a punch of flavor that complements the meat.
  3. Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine, creating the rich sauce that will cook the pasta simultaneously.
  4. Add Pasta and Simmer: Pour in the dry pasta, submerging it completely in the sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the sauce.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking and easy stirring.
  • Stir frequently and check pasta early to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Brown meat well before adding liquids to develop deeper flavor.
  • Taste and season gradually to adjust salt and herbs as needed.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.
  • Variations: Try vegetarian (lentils or mushrooms), add spice (red pepper flakes or jalapeños), use gluten-free pasta, or add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, quick dinner, meat sauce, easy family meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/quick-one-pot-pasta-with-meat-sauce/