Surprise Pasta is a tantalizing dish that combines the flavors of Italian cuisine with an unexpected twist. This recipe takes the traditional pasta dish to a new level by adding a surprise element that will impress your family and friends. With a mix of flavorful ingredients and a simple preparation process, Surprise Pasta is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Get ready to indulge in a burst of flavors with this delicious Surprise Pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the ground beef. Stir to combine.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of cooked pasta. Top with a layer of ricotta cheese and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Interesting Facts
This recipe can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
The combination of ricotta cheese and mozzarella creates a creamy and cheesy texture in the pasta dish.
Surprise Pasta can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it a great option for meal prepping.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.