Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative to beef. Since turkey is milder in flavor, you might want to add a bit more seasoning or use a particularly flavorful marinara sauce to compensate. For best results, use ground turkey that has some fat content (93% lean rather than 99%) for better texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe adapts beautifully to a vegetarian version. Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, or use a mixture of diced mushrooms and walnuts for a meaty texture without the meat. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. The heavy cream and cheese can remain if you're vegetarian, or use plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides the best richness and stability in the sauce, you can substitute half-and-half if needed. Regular milk tends to make the sauce too thin and may curdle more easily. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to the sauce before adding the milk to help thicken it. Another option is to use cream cheese (2-3 tablespoons) as a thickener with milk.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the entire recipe up to the point of adding the pasta, then refrigerate the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine. Alternatively, you can fully prepare the dish, refrigerate, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to revive the sauce. The flavors often develop nicely overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead option.

Creamy Italian Pasta Skillet Recipe

Name: Creamy Italian Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup beef broth/stock; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Description

This Creamy Italian Pasta Skillet is a comforting and satisfying one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender rotini pasta, hearty ground beef, a rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese blend, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with Italian-inspired goodness for the whole family to enjoy!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

8 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta)

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup beef broth/stock
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the water and set the pasta aside for later use.
Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess grease to avoid a heavy dish.
Sauté the Garlic and Add Seasoning
Return the meat and onion mixture to the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the Italian seasoning and beef broth or stock. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any flavorful browned bits.
Simmer with Marinara
Pour in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and concentrate its flavors.
Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream for a rich and velvety texture. Add the shredded Italian cheese blend and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Substitution Tip: If rotini isn’t available, substitute with penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use a meatless alternative, or add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Cheese Variation: Instead of the Italian cheese blend, try mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone for different flavors.
Broth Option: Use chicken or vegetable broth if you don’t have beef broth available.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 625
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1080mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 113mg