One Pot Creamy Paprika Beef Pasta

Servings

5 servings

Quick Stats

35–40 mins • High Protein • Base: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 500g rigatoni, uncooked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 brown onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g lean beef mince (10% fat)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tbsp Italian herbs
• 2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 800g whole peeled tomatoes
• 650ml low-sodium beef stock
• 0.5 cup double cream
• 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Parmesan, to serve

Method

1. Sauté the onion and garlic:
   On medium-high heat, add olive oil to your pan and sauté the onion until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for a further 30 seconds.
2. Brown the beef and add the spices:
   Add the beef mince and cook until browned, then add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian herbs and chilli flakes.
3. Cook out the tomato paste:
   Add the tomato paste and stir through until combined. Cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, liquid and pasta:
   Add the whole peeled tomatoes and break them up in the pan. Cook for a further 5 minutes, then add the stock, cream and rigatoni. Stir through until the rigatoni is lightly covered by the liquid — top up with a splash of extra stock or water if it looks short.
5. Simmer with the lid on:
   Turn the heat down to medium-low, place the lid on, and cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Wilt the spinach:
   Remove the lid and stir through the spinach until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
7. Finish and serve:
   Stir through the parmesan and serve.

Key Nutrients & Benefits

Lean beef mince brings a solid hit of protein and iron, tomatoes add lycopene and vitamin C, and spinach folds in extra iron and fibre without changing the flavour.

Smart Swaps & Variations

• Lighter version — swap the double cream for light cream or a splash of milk.
• Chicken or turkey mince instead of beef — leaner option, same method.
• Extra veg — diced capsicum or zucchini can go in with the onion.
• Less heat — skip the cayenne pepper and chilli flakes if you want it mild.
• Gluten-free — use a gluten-free rigatoni; cooking time may vary slightly.

Related Recipes

• Beef Bolognese — another rich beef and tomato pasta, finished with red wine and egg yolk.
• Beef Ragù — a slower, chunk-beef take on a similar sauce.
• Sticky Beef Mince Bowl — a different way to use beef mince, served over rice.