One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta Delight
This One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta Delight is a delectable weeknight meal that combines lean ground beef and a medley of vegetables with rich spaghetti sauce and gooey cheeses. Designed for busy families, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packs a flavor punch that even the pickiest eaters will love! Say goodbye to boring dinners, as this recipe allows you to utilize that half-full jar of spaghetti sauce you have in the fridge while also sneaking in nutritious veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. Cooked entirely in one pot, it reduces cleanup time, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free dinner.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
small onion
1 (chopped fine)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fusilli or macaroni noodles
3 cups (uncooked)
water
3 1/2 cups (none)
spaghetti sauce
1 (10 ounce) jar (none)
mushrooms
1 cup (chopped)
zucchini
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, brown the extra lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and tender.
3
Stir in the fusilli or macaroni noodles, followed by the water and the entire jar of spaghetti sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After 12 minutes, add in the chopped mushrooms and zucchini, stirring well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6
Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce.
7
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta Delight!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
45g
Carbs
30g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta Delight.
What kind of meat is used in this pasta dish?
The recipe calls for one pound of extra lean ground beef.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed to be cooked entirely in one large, deep skillet to reduce cleanup time.
What types of pasta can I use?
The recipe suggests using 3 cups of uncooked fusilli or macaroni noodles.
Which vegetables are hidden in this recipe?
The dish includes chopped mushrooms and zucchini for added nutrition.
What kinds of cheese are included?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the pasta need to simmer initially?
The pasta should simmer covered for about 12 minutes before adding the vegetables.
How much water is required for the cooking liquid?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of water.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them to the pot?
No, the noodles are added uncooked and cook directly in the sauce and water mixture.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does a serving have?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This dish provides 3.75 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
There are only 3 grams of sugar per serving.
What aromatics are used for flavor?
The recipe uses one small onion chopped fine and one minced garlic clove.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
When do I add the cheese?
The cheese is added at the very end and cooked for 2 minutes until melted and creamy.
How long do the mushrooms and zucchini cook?
They are added after the initial simmer and cooked for an additional 5 minutes.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is tagged as family friendly and toddler friendly.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
It is classified as Italian cuisine.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While fusilli and macaroni are suggested, other small pasta shapes should work similarly.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a perfect weeknight dinner.
How should I serve the dish?
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken.