Are you tired of complicated recipes that take hours to prepare? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with this mouthwatering Special Weeknight Pasta Skillet that combines the comfort of classic Italian flavors with the convenience of a one-pan wonder! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds and asking, "How did you make this magic happen?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine and distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta with the beef and marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 blend works perfectly).
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent a greasy dish.
- Cook pasta just until al dente - it will continue to absorb sauce in the skillet.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine to the beef while cooking.
- If you want to boost nutrition, try adding some diced bell peppers or spinach to the skillet.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a crispy top, you can briefly place the skillet under the broiler after adding cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 601kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 92mg
