Delicious Homemade Chicken Parmesan - A Hearty Italian Feast

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish with the fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pasta
  • Skillet - for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the ground beef
  • Spoon - for stirring the ingredients in the skillet
  • Grater - for grating the Parmesan cheese
  • Cover - to cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta for a healthier alternative.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute for a meat-free option.
  • Add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor, such as adding fresh rosemary or thyme.
  • For a spicy twist, add diced jalapenos or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by using marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes with ground meat.
  • Create a creamy version by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of cream or adding a dollop of ricotta cheese.
  • For a lighter option, substitute part of the ground meat with cooked lentils.
  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.

Recipe overview

This hearty and mouth-watering pasta dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With the comforting combination of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a generous topping of melted Parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a homestyle Italian meal. The balance of flavors from the herbs and spices wonderfully complements the robust taste of the beef and mild sweetness of the peppers. The recipe has a simple process flow, making it a great choice for both experienced cooks and beginners. Prepare this delicious feast in just under an hour and enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
  2. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein? Certainly! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh can be used instead of ground beef.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots would be great additions.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta right before serving, then combine with the sauce and heat it through.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the pasta.
  • Skillet - Used for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the ground beef.
  • Spoon - Used for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce.
  • Cheese grater - Used for grating the Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover - Used to cover the skillet and melt the cheese on top of the pasta.

Origin stories

This hearty pasta dish hails from Italy, a country renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Interestingly, pasta was not always a staple in Italian cuisine. It wasn't until the Middle Ages, with the introduction of durum wheat, that pasta began to take the form we know today. Durum wheat could withstand the Mediterranean climate and its flour could be stored for long periods, making it an ideal food source for the long sea voyages of that era. This set the stage for pasta's ascension as a cornerstone of Italian cuisine. Today, it's served in countless ways, from the simple aglio e olio to complex lasagnas, showcasing the versatility and enduring popularity of this humble ingredient.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.