This quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for busy weekdays. Using simple ingredients and store-bought tomato and basil sauce, it delivers a homemade taste in just 30 minutes. You can enjoy it with beef mince, or go vegetarian with just pasta and sauce. Adding onions, garlic, green pepper, and fresh basil elevates the flavours and gives it a comforting, home-cooked feel.
Ingredients
- 500 g pasta of your choice
- Olive oil or mixed seed oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g beef mince (optional, can be omitted for vegetarian version)
- Tomato and Basil pasta sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and green pepper, frying until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- While vegetables cook, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
- Add the beef mince to the pan and fry until browned.
- Stir in the tomato and basil sauce and allow to simmer while the pasta cooks.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. Add some pasta water to the sauce, stir, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavours.
- Serve the pasta topped with the sauce, garnishing with fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a quick weekday dinner with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Perfect for:
Weeknight Dinners | Quick Family Meals | Comfort Food | Pasta Lovers
