20 Minute Pasta
When you need a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, this 20 Minute Pasta is the answer. Tender pasta is tossed with a rich meat sauce made from lean ground beef, garlic, tomato paste, marinara, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese for a simple meal that's packed with flavor.
The secret to making this recipe taste like it took much longer is allowing the tomato paste to caramelize before adding the marinara sauce. This simple step deepens the flavor and gives the sauce a rich, homemade taste in just a few minutes. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch, creating a comforting pasta dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it an excellent option when you need dinner on the table fast. It's hearty enough to satisfy the whole family while remaining simple enough to prepare after a long day.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta
Salted water, for boiling
1 pound lean ground beef
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
Pinch of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
24 ounces marinara sauce
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
Fresh basil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Add the tomato paste and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly and becomes caramelized.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
Add the fresh basil leaves and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
Serve topped with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips
Caramelizing the tomato paste adds a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce.
Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but additional dried basil can be substituted if needed.
Reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you want to loosen the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides the best flavor.
This recipe doubles easily for larger families or meal prep.
Serving Ideas
Serve this pasta with garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed broccoli. It's also delicious with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
The combination of savory beef, rich marinara, fresh basil, and Parmesan creates a comforting meal that's simple, flavorful, and ready in about 20 minutes. It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making again and again because it's easy, dependable, and always delicious.
