Skillet Pasta Dinner

Photo: Skillet Pasta Dinner, USDA MyPlate

This is a quick and hearty one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy!

 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage
 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 8 oz tomato sauce
 1 cup water
 8 oz uncooked pasta (ziti, penne, macaroni)
 2 cups fresh or frozen veggies of choice (zucchini, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, or peppers are all good choices)
1

Brown the ground meat, onion, and garlic in a skillet or heavy saucepan. Drain off any grease.

2

Add the tomato sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3

Add the fresh or frozen vegetables, stir and continue cooking until the pasta and vegetables are tender (about 10 more minutes).

4

Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs, like basil, if you have them.

Recipe Notes

  • PASTA: Try using chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
  • LOW CARB: Swap out the the pasta for your favorite low-carb pasta alternative or add an additional 1 to 1.5 cups of non-starchy vegetables.

    • Recipe adapted from: USDA MyPlate

    Ingredients

     1 lb ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage
     1 medium onion, finely chopped
     2 cloves garlic, minced
     8 oz tomato sauce
     1 cup water
     8 oz uncooked pasta (ziti, penne, macaroni)
     2 cups fresh or frozen veggies of choice (zucchini, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, or peppers are all good choices)

    Directions

    1

    Brown the ground meat, onion, and garlic in a skillet or heavy saucepan. Drain off any grease.

    2

    Add the tomato sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

    3

    Add the fresh or frozen vegetables, stir and continue cooking until the pasta and vegetables are tender (about 10 more minutes).

    4

    Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs, like basil, if you have them.

    Notes

    Skillet Pasta Dinner
    IngredientsDirections