Creamy Pasta Minced Meat Tomato (Printer-Friendly)

Enjoy pasta tossed in creamy tomato sauce with minced meat, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan for a hearty meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 ounces dry penne or fusilli pasta

→ Meat

02 - 14 ounces minced beef or pork

→ Sauce

03 - 1.7 cups tomato sauce
04 - 0.85 cup heavy cream (30% fat) or Greek yogurt

→ Aromatics

05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium onion, diced

→ Seasoning

07 - 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing

10 - 1.75 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

→ Fats & Oils

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain using a strainer and set aside, keeping pasta warm.
02 - In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until onion turns translucent and aromatic.
03 - Add minced beef or pork to the pan with aromatics. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
04 - Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat slightly, and simmer for 5 minutes. Mix well to combine with meat and aromatics.
05 - Stir in heavy cream or yogurt. Mix thoroughly and allow sauce to reach a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring a creamy, cohesive texture.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing gently to coat every piece. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow flavors to integrate.
07 - Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and serve immediately on warm plates.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For a lighter consistency, Greek yogurt may replace cream. Add steamed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.