Mugello Pasta Delight

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) pasta of your choice 300g (10.5 oz) pasta of your choice
• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 250g (8.8 oz) beef or pork, cut into small pieces 250g (8.8 oz) beef or pork, cut into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef or pork to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mugello Pasta Delight hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Beef or pork — Choose lean cuts of meat and cut them into small pieces for quicker and more even cooking.
• Fresh basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to the dish.
• To make it a complete meal, serve Mugello Pasta Delight with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve Mugello Pasta Delight in individual pasta bowls or on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish just before serving. This adds a glossy sheen and brings out the vibrant colors of the sauce and pasta.