Craving an authentic Italian pasta dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Fresh Fettuccine with Quick Meat Sauce! In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Fresh fettuccine
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Canned tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: dice the onion finely, mince the garlic, and have your ground beef, canned tomatoes, and other seasonings ready.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the meat until it's completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them slightly if they are whole. Stir to combine with the meat and onions.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the fresh fettuccine.
- Cook the fresh fettuccine according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes for fresh pasta. Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked fettuccine directly to the meat sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to an outstanding meat sauce is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Choose fresh fettuccine and ripe, flavorful canned tomatoes for the best results.
- Meat Browning Technique: When cooking ground beef, ensure you brown it properly. Let the meat sit for a minute between stirring to develop a deep, rich flavor and achieve a beautiful caramelization.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta. Watch it carefully and test for doneness after just 2-3 minutes to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most intense flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the depth and freshness of a block you grate yourself.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce or a pinch of dried oregano for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
