When you’ve got a hungry family and not much time to cook, this One Pot Meal for Large Family Pasta is the answer to your dinnertime prayers. It’s hearty, loaded with flavor, and requires just one pot—meaning fewer dishes to wash after everyone’s satisfied. Made with juicy ground beef, creamy Parmesan, and a dash of Italian herbs, it creates a comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Health Benefits
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
Let’s just admit: weeknights can get crazy. Between school, work, sports, and trying to stay sane, finding a dinner that’s quick, easy, and feeds the whole family feels like winning the lottery. That’s where the One Pot Meal for Large Family Pasta shines like the culinary MVP that it is. With roots in Italian-inspired flavors, it’s not just about convenience; it’s also about taste. The creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and fresh basil make this dish feel fancy without actually being fancy. The best part? You get to skip the pile of dishes! One pot handles it all. Growing up, this was a dish that brought everyone to the table—no arguments, just eager forks digging in. And whether your family loves classic comfort food or you’re experimenting with homemade weeknight dinners, this pasta recipe is the friend you didn’t know you needed.
Why You’ll Love One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
- Hearty one-pot dish with minimal cleanup
- Feeds up to 8 people—perfect for large families
- Ready in just 40 minutes!
- Comfort food packed with Italian flavors
- Customizable with easy ingredient swaps
- Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples
- Kid-approved and great for picky eaters
Key Ingredients for One pot meal for large family pasta
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil for a healthier fat swap.
- Onion: Yellow or sweet onion works best for a mild flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds bold flavor.
- Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a different spin.
- Dried oregano and basil: Fresh herbs can replace dried if you have them handy.
- Crushed tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky kick.
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is an easy vegetarian alternative.
- Pasta: Go for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free option.
- Heavy cream: Coconut cream can be a dairy-free choice.
- Fresh basil leaves: Spinach or arugula can also work as a garnish.
How to Make the One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Sauté
Heat olive oil in a large pot, then add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Brown
Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned.
- Season
Mix in dried oregano and basil to enhance the flavors of the beef.
- Combine
Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta
Stir in the pasta, reduce the heat to simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Finish
Once pasta is tender, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Season to taste.
- Serve
Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, then serve hot.
Expert Tips for Success for One pot meal for large family pasta
Slice onions consistently so they cook evenly.
Use a sturdy wooden spoon to break ground beef into smaller bits.
Let the cooked pasta rest for a few minutes—it thickens the sauce.
If serving leftovers, add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Variations and Customizations of One pot meal for large family pasta
Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage for a leaner or more savory version. Add a cup of chopped veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients. Make it spicy by tossing in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, substitute one can of crushed tomatoes with tomato basil sauce. Try gluten-free pasta to keep it celiac-friendly, or skip Parmesan for a dairy-free upgrade.
Health Benefits of One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
The One Pot Meal for Large Family Pasta brings a nutritious balance to the table by combining protein-rich lean ground beef, antioxidant-packed tomatoes, and a healthy dose of fresh herbs like basil. Featuring 27g of protein per serving, it helps build and maintain muscle, while 68g of energizing carbs make it an ideal meal for active families. The creamy yet moderate-fat profile promotes satiety, and the use of low-sodium chicken broth keeps it heart-healthy. If you’re sneaking in veggies, even better—it’s a highly adaptable and wholesome dish!
Nutritional Information about One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
This pasta dish offers approximately 520 calories per serving and hits a great nutritional balance with 68g carbohydrates, 27g protein, and 18g fat per portion. The combination of lean ground beef, creamy Parmesan, and nutritious tomatoes ups the protein and vitamin content while remaining surprisingly kid-friendly. With modest fiber content (4g per serving), you can count on this meal to keep everyone full and satisfied. Pro tip: Pair it with a side salad for added greens and crunch!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta to revive its creamy consistency. Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts while stirring in between. This pasta doesn’t freeze well because of the cream, but you can freeze the uncreamed base and add cream once reheated.
Recipe Card of One pot meal for large family pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients list
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes 28 oz each
- 5 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 pound pasta penne or any short pasta
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking apart the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the dried oregano and basil, mixing well with the meat mixture.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Once pasta is cooked through, stir in the parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with extra parmesan cheese on the side.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About One pot meal for large family pasta Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and adds a leaner protein option.
What type of pasta should I use?
Short pastas like penne or rotini are perfect since they cook evenly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! The creamy sauce and mild flavors are a hit with kids.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.