Description
This creamy beef pasta is elevated with a vibrant sun-dried tomato and spinach swirl, creating a visually stunning and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14oz) Penne Pasta: Use penne or your favorite shape.
- 500g (1lb) Halal Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended.
- 1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped (≈150g / 1 cup)
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
- 400g (14oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained
- 200ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream (or Plant-Based Cream)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Salt to Taste
- 100g (3½oz) Sun-Dried Tomatoes Packed in Oil, Drained
- 50g (2oz) Fresh Spinach Leaves (≈2 cups loosely packed)
- 30g (1oz) Pine Nuts, Toasted
- 30g (1oz) Grated Parmesan Cheese (Halal-Certified)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, Chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Grated Parmesan for Serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic briefly.
- Brown the Beef: Brown ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer Tomato Base: Simmer diced tomatoes for 5 minutes.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in cream, adding pasta water if needed.
- Prepare Swirl: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Marbelize Sauce: Fold half of the swirl into the sauce.
- Combine & Heat: Toss pasta with sauce and heat through.
- Plate & Garnish: Serve with swirl, basil, and Parmesan.
Notes
Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor. Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg