Description
Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor — this one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for weeknights or weekend meal prep. Quick, comforting, and customizable for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or 1/2 tsp sugar, lemon juice, ricotta or cream cheese, fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, then ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Toss in the cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and more cheese. Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies.
Notes
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or broth. Add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for variety. Use dairy-free cream and cheese for a vegan version or add chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg