Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
This creamy one-pot Tuscan ground beef pasta combines tender pasta, savory beef, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Author: Natali
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- 12 oz (340 g) dried penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Heat Oil and Brown Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown (about 8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Toast slightly for 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 12 ounces (340 g) dried penne pasta, 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth, and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir well to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach and 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Add a splash more broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
Keywords: Tuscan ground beef pasta, one-pot pasta recipe, creamy beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, sun-dried tomato pasta