elbows pasta recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and versatile pasta recipe, look no further than elbow pasta. With its curved tube shape, elbows pasta is not only fun to eat but also holds sauce and ingredients beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting a dinner party, this elbows pasta recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we’ll share the ingredients you’ll need and provide step-by-step directions to make the perfect elbows pasta dish.
Ingredients
To make elbows pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Elbows pasta – 1 pound
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Onion – 1, diced
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Tomato sauce – 2 cups
- Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make delicious elbows pasta:
- Cook the elbows pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked elbows pasta to the pan and toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Mix well.
- Serve the elbows pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: While this recipe specifically calls for elbow pasta, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the package.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for later consumption. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy the pasta, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a pan or microwave.
Q: How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: To incorporate more vegetables into this elbows pasta dish, you can sauté diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the garlic and onion. You can also serve the pasta with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Q: What other toppings can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you can try using grated Pecorino Romano, shredded mozzarella, or crumbled feta cheese as alternative toppings for your elbows pasta. You can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy your delicious elbows pasta with family and friends, and feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Bon appétit!
