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Rotini Pasta

Cheesy Rotini Pasta: One-Pot Comfort in Just 30 Minutes

Enjoy a quick and delicious one-pot cheesy rotini pasta featuring savory ground beef and gooey mozzarella, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Dish
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for fewer fats.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Substitute with tomato purée if unavailable.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are ideal, but minced garlic in a jar works as well.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used but would require cooking longer.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Omit if using sweeter tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Can substitute with Italian seasoning for a more complex taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on personal preference.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional heat element; omit for a milder dish.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth works as a vegetarian alternative.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Ensure they are not bitter; brands can vary significantly.
  • 12 ounces Uncooked Rotini Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Fresh mozzarella can elevate flavor if used.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Optional seasoning; freshly cracked is preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional garnish for added flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Optional garnish for added flavor.

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for about 7–8 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Once the beef is browned, if there's excess fat, carefully drain it off. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the tomato paste along with minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute.
  3. Sprinkle in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to merge all the ingredients. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
  5. Once boiling, carefully add the uncooked rotini pasta, stirring gently to ensure it's submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes.
  6. After the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  7. Once the cheese has melted, give everything a gentle toss to mix it well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with black pepper and additional salt if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider stirring in a splash of cream or milk before serving for a creamier texture. Optionally, incorporate vegetables for added nutrition and flavor variations.

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