Hot Wheels Pasta is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines tender pasta with a zesty tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and succulent ground beef. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy an extra kick in their pasta. With a hint of spiciness, it will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving for more. The combination of jalapenos, garlic, and cayenne pepper in this dish brings out the perfect amount of heat to elevate your pasta to a whole new level. It is a family-friendly recipe that can be prepared within 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pasta through.
- Serve the Hot Wheels Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Hot Wheels Pasta' was inspired by the spicy kick that the dish provides, similar to the thrill of racing with hot wheels toy cars.
The combination of jalapenos, garlic, and cayenne pepper not only adds heat but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative.
This recipe can also be made vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Leftovers of this flavorful pasta can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, making it a convenient and delicious lunch option.