Pasta Skillet Dinner is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone at the table happy. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it's an efficient choice for those seeking a quick yet delicious dinner option.
The recipe begins with a classic foundation of ziti pasta, cooked to al dente perfection. This pasta provides a sturdy base for the rich and savory sauce that follows. Lean ground beef is the star of the show, adding a substantial protein element to the dish. When cooked thoroughly, it provides a satisfying texture and a robust flavor that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.
The sauce itself is a simple yet flavorful combination of tomato pasta sauce and water, simmered to perfection. This creates a light and tangy base that complements the beef without overpowering it. The addition of sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese takes the dish to the next level, adding a creamy and cheesy dimension that ties all the flavors together.
One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick of heat. Additionally, the dish can be customized with various toppings, such as chopped fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon, to add extra texture and flavor.
In terms of nutrition, this Pasta Skillet Dinner offers a balanced meal. With a calorie count of 669 per serving, it provides a substantial amount of energy, primarily from protein and fat, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. The lean ground beef contributes to the protein content, while the cheese and sour cream provide healthy fats and calcium.