Pasta is one of those beloved ingredients found in most households. It’s affordable, delicious, and incredibly versatile. I couldn’t even tell you exactly how many pasta recipes I’ve shared on my blog—there are a lot, that much I know!

While I don’t eat pasta as often, I make it at least twice a week for my boys. It’s my go-to for a quick meal or simply because they’re craving it. It’s also a great option if you have unexpected guests knocking on your door.

What I love most about this one is its endless possibilities. Whether you prefer it vegetarian, with beef or chicken, paired with tomato sauce, or smothered in Alfredo, there’s always a way to make it your own. Even something as simple as olive oil pasta, one of my personal favorites, can be incredibly satisfying.

Tube-Shaped to try:

If you’re looking to swap out penne for something different, here are some other great tube-shaped options:

Rigatoni: Larger tubes with ridges, perfect for holding thicker sauces.

Ziti: Smooth, smaller tubes often used in baked dishes like ziti al forno.

Tortiglioni: Similar to rigatoni but with deeper, more pronounced grooves.

Each type has its own unique texture and charm, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes to elevate your dishes.

Tips for Plant-Based:

If beef isn’t your thing, there are so many amazing vegetables you can use to create a delicious, plant-based pasta. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, and broccoli are some of my favorites for adding flavor, texture, and nutrients to your dish.

Any kind of noodle form is truly a blank canvas, ready for you to get creative. Let me know if you’d like specific tips for pairing sauces or ingredients with your pasta of choice—I’d love to help inspire your next meal

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Tomato Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Quick and Easy Pasta with Beef Sauce

Do let me know when you make this yummy meal. Please, tag me on social media so I can see your creation.

Thanks for your support! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; search @sandraseasycooking

Yield: Serves 4

Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

Print

Penne Pasta with Ground Beef is an easy and tasty recipe for the whole family to enjoy!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (350g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced or chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced (you can use frozen)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed chili flakes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion, celery, and minced garlic until fragrant. Add small diced carrots, cooking until it starts to soften, about 5–7 minutes. If you're using frozen or canned time will be drastically changed.
4. Build the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and crushed chili flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
   

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 753Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 402mgCarbohydrates: 125gFiber: 9gSugar: 7gProtein: 29g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The Comfort of Easy Baked Beef Pasta: A Family Favorite in Under 30 Minutes

Let me ask you, is there anything more comforting than a warm serving of a simple and easy-baked beef pasta? This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table.

In our fast-paced lives, where everyone seems to be racing against the clock, finding a delicious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes is a true blessing.

Baked Beef Pasta Casserole embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of flavors that delights the palate.

It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy nights, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Click Here for more Pasta Recipes

One of the most appealing aspects of this casserole is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—pasta, ground beef, homemade Alfredo Sauce and marinara sauce, and, of course, plenty of cheese—you can create a hearty meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Because of its simplicity, this dish is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

After all, who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick, hearty, and satisfying? Just imagine coming home after a long day, tired, hungry, and not in the mood to cook.

Fortunately, with this Easy Baked Beef Pasta, dinner is almost effortless. As soon as it starts simmering in the oven, the comforting aroma fills your kitchen.

Before you know it, your mood lifts and the day’s stress begins to melt away.

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Tomato Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Quick and Easy Pasta with Beef Sauce

Do let me know when you make this yummy Easy Baked Beef Pasta. Please, tag me on social media so I can see your creation.

Thanks for your support! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; search @sandraseasycooking

Yield: 6 SERVINGS

Easy Baked Beef Pasta

Print

Tasty recipe for easy Baked Beef Pasta Casserole

Prep Time 5 minutes

Bake Time 18 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 38 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 box pasta (+ salt for seasoning water)
• 2 cups shredded cheese, mozzarella (or Italian blend)

SAUCE:

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 8oz to 10 oz Italian sausage (3 sausages, approx.)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed and minced
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/4 tsp. Pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. dried parsley

Instructions

Pasta:

1. Cook pasta according to the box.

Beef Sauce:

1. Heat a pan on medium-high heat, with a good drizzle of olive oil, then add ground beef and Italian sausages. If your sausage is in casting, just remove it from the casting,
2. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it is no longer pink, constantly breaking meat into smaller pieces. Add a good pinch of salt and black pepper, garlic powder without salt, and mix to combine.
3. Pour your homemade marinara sauce or save time and use store-bought. You can also use any pasta sauce you have or like.
4. Allow sauce to boil, turn off the heat, and set aside.

Alfredo Sauce:

1. Pour the cream and butter into a big skillet.
2. Simmer for two minutes on low heat.
3. For a minute, whisk in the garlic, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
4. Add the parmesan cheese and let it melt. Make sure to whisk it so you don't end up with clumps.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the bottom of the baking dish, then add about a ladle of meat and sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta then over alfredo sauce, a bit of sprinkle of shredded cheese, and mix to coat well.
3. Then add meat sauce and stir in a bit, but not too much just so it can be lightly coated all over.
4. Add a good amount of cheese on the top and bake.
5. Bake in PREHEATED OVEN for 15 to 18 minutes. As soon as the cheese is melted and you see a bit of bubbles on the edges it is done. If you have a few brown spots of the cheese leave it for an additional few minutes.

Serve with salad and most definitely garlic bread.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 873Total Fat: 70gSaturated Fat: 36gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 224mgSodium: 1161mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 45g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

I have a great preference for easy-to-make meals that take less than 30 minutes to create. Italian Meatballs with Orzo is a recipe that never fails to amaze.

I’m proud of my multitasking skills because I can prepare many delicious suppers in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how complicated the dish is, of course.

As someone who likes to finish cooking meals rather quickly, I find it difficult to gauge the precise cooking time. I tried to slow things down but for me, it is truly impossible.

Just to put it into perspective, I usually finish a large family Thanksgiving dinner for eight people by myself in less than four hours. Just to add from scratch, from bread, all the side dishes and fixings to pumpkin pie.

Let’s now see how simple and easy this particular recipe is. Any kind of pasta will work, but there’s something about Orzo that just appeals to me.

Its tiny, delicious grains cook quickly, which makes it a great option for family dinners that just require one pot. Since you’ll need to boil the pasta separately, you’ll actually need two pots. But you get the idea, don’t you?

I would be thrilled to see what delicacies you come up with if you decide to try this simple yet delicious recipe for Italian Meatballs with Orzo. Please feel free to tell me about your experiences!

Thanks for your support! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; search @sandraseasycooking

Happy Cooking!

Yield: 3 SERVINGS

Italian Meatballs with Orzo

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 pack Orzo (follow instructions)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, split in half
• 1 pack of Italian sausage, without casting
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Sea salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon Kickin Chicken Seasoning: Salt, Onion Powder, Paprika, Garlic Granules, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Black Pepper, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Cumin.
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon thyme

Instructions

1. Make small meatballs. Italian sausage is already seasoned so there is no need to season it. You can use ground beef, but make sure to season it well.
2. Heat a pan to medium-high heat with one tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the meatballs until they are brownish and cooked through. Cut one open to check if it's cooked. Alternatively, you can cook them in an air fryer if you prefer and skip the sautéing step.
3. Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan. Add one more tablespoon of olive oil, cherry tomato halves, and garlic. Turn the heat down a bit and sauté the tomatoes until they look almost caramelized about 5 minutes.
4. Boil water with salt and follow the instructions for the orzo. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes for it to be perfect for this dish. Scoop about 1/8 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the orzo but DO NOT WASH.
5. Add the orzo to the tomatoes and garlic, pour in the saved pasta water, and stir the pasta to pick up all the flavors from the bottom of the pan.
6. Put the meatballs back in, add a bit of salt to taste, seasoning, lemon juice, mix, and garnish with lemon thyme.
   
   Serve immediately!
   

Notes

You can use any pasta.

Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground beef. Make sure to season it accurately. Italian sausages without casing are already seasoned.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 209Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 581mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Recipes You Might Like:

Quick and Easy Pasta with Beef

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Yield: 3 SERVINGS

Italian Meatballs with Orzo

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 pack Orzo (follow instructions)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, split in half
• 1 pack of Italian sausage, without casting
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Sea salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon Kickin Chicken Seasoning: Salt, Onion Powder, Paprika, Garlic Granules, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Black Pepper, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Cumin.
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon thyme

Instructions

1. Make small meatballs. Italian sausage is already seasoned so there is no need to season it. You can use ground beef, but make sure to season it well.
2. Heat a pan to medium-high heat with one tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the meatballs until they are brownish and cooked through. Cut one open to check if it's cooked. Alternatively, you can cook them in an air fryer if you prefer and skip the sautéing step.
3. Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan. Add one more tablespoon of olive oil, cherry tomato halves, and garlic. Turn the heat down a bit and sauté the tomatoes until they look almost caramelized about 5 minutes.
4. Boil water with salt and follow the instructions for the orzo. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes for it to be perfect for this dish. Scoop about 1/8 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the orzo but DO NOT WASH.
5. Add the orzo to the tomatoes and garlic, pour in the saved pasta water, and stir the pasta to pick up all the flavors from the bottom of the pan.
6. Put the meatballs back in, add a bit of salt to taste, seasoning, lemon juice, mix, and garnish with lemon thyme.
   
   Serve immediately!
   

Notes

You can use any pasta.

Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground beef. Make sure to season it accurately. Italian sausages without casing are already seasoned.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 209Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 581mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest