1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While pasta shells are great for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or fusilli work just as well. Just be sure to monitor cooking time—smaller shapes may cook faster.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use Greek yogurt instead of cream, and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.

3. What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is gone?

Simply add a splash of broth or water, stir, and continue cooking on low until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.

One Pan Pasta Bolognese - Superb Recipe

Name: One Pan Pasta Bolognese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey – about 1 lb; 1 onion, chopped; 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme); 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups uncooked pasta shells or penne; ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1-2 cups spinach or kale (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Description

This One Pan Pasta Bolognese is a quick and healthy meal perfect for beginners. Cooked entirely in one pan, it combines pasta, ground meat, and a creamy tomato sauce for a comforting, flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground beef or turkey – about 1 lb
1 onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups uncooked pasta shells or penne
½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

Heat a large pan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and dried herbs. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
Add uncooked pasta and ensure it is mostly submerged. Cover and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (12–15 minutes).
Reduce heat and stir in cream or Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add spinach or kale if using, and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

If the pasta cooks too quickly and liquid runs out, add a splash of broth or water.
Use pre-chopped garlic and onion to save time.
Swap in any short pasta like penne or rotini.
Greek yogurt is a great lower-fat alternative to cream.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg