Description
A healthy ground beef pasta dish packed with spinach, tomatoes, herbs, and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a balanced and hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound box of pasta shells
- 1 pound minced beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 cups of fresh baby spinach
- Two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes with their juice
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 teaspoons italian herbs
- 3 minced garlic cloves (or approximately 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to your liking
- 3/4 cup saved pasta cooking water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
2. When draining the pasta, reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta water for use later in the recipe.
3. Toss the drained pasta with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set it aside.
4. While your pasta is cooking, prepare your skillet.
5. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Once the oil is glistening, add chopped onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
7. Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and brown it while stirring regularly for about 7-9 minutes.
8. Drain any excess oil from the pan.
9. Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, garlic, seasonings, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
10. Cook until the spinach is wilted and all the ingredients are well combined.
11. Turn the heat to medium-low and incorporate 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
12. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for several minutes.
13. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the pasta to the skillet.
14. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and all the elements are evenly mixed.
15. Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and/or chopped parsley as desired.
16. Serve your hearty and flavorful pasta dish warm, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.
Notes
For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
You can use whole grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.