Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with our Orecchiette Pasta with Beef and Peas! This delightful recipe combines tender orecchiette pasta, savory ground beef, and sweet peas, all enveloped in a light, cheesy sauce that will have your taste buds singing. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure—read on to unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 ounces of orecchiette pasta, 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of frozen peas, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through.
- When the orecchiette pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet with the beef and peas. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water if the mixture seems dry. This will help create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the orecchiette pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Orecchiette Pasta with Beef and Peas!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the orecchiette. Stirring occasionally will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This will give your dish a subtle kick!
- Beef Variations: If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for a creamier finish.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water! Adding a splash can help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a pop of color and enhances the dish's presentation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, making your future meals a breeze.With these tips, your Orecchiette Pasta with Beef and Peas will be a hit at any table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
