Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1/2 onion, diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
→ Sauce Ingredients
05 -
1 tbsp tomato paste
06 -
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
07 -
2 cups beef broth
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
10 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Pasta and Finishing Ingredients
11 -
1 cup dry orzo pasta
12 -
1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add ½ diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 -
Add 1 lb ground beef (or sausage) to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 -
Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth. Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
04 -
Stir in 1 cup dry orzo pasta and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
05 -
Stir in ¼ cup milk or heavy cream for extra richness. Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
06 -
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top!
# Notes:
01 -
Stir often to prevent orzo from sticking
02 -
Add extra broth if pasta absorbs too much liquid
03 -
Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce