Creamy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

This comforting and easy one-pot pasta dish is a quick weeknight meal, perfect for when you’re short on time but craving a hearty, flavorful dinner.
Inspired by lasagna soup, this recipe combines ground beef, pasta shells, marinara sauce, and a creamy finish for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 meat-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (if using leaner ground beef)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp beef bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic salt and pepper blend
- 1 tbsp minced dehydrated onion
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells (or other pasta of choice)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp beef bouillon powder (or 1/4 – 1/2 tsp fine salt)
- 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
- 1 cup water (to rinse marinara jar)
For the Creamy Finish:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1/2 block softened cream cheese)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic salt and pepper blend
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.

Step 2: Season the Beef
Season the ground beef with beef bouillon powder, garlic salt and pepper blend, minced dehydrated onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Water
Add the pasta shells to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring the pasta is submerged.

Step 4: Season the Pasta Water and Add Sauce
Season the pasta water with beef bouillon powder (or salt). Stir in the marinara sauce and the water used to rinse the jar. Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer and Prepare Mozzarella
Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. While the pasta simmers, slice the mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Add Cream and Mozzarella
Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Remove the lid. Add heavy cream (or cream cheese) and sliced mozzarella to the pot. Stir gently.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Simmer
Add dried parsley, garlic salt and pepper blend, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cover the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and cheese is melted.

Step 8: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
