Rich Pasta for the Poor Kitchen

Ingredients and Weight:

• 400g dry pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 300g ground chicken or turkey meat
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup cream (can use vegetable cream or regular milk)
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp dried oregano or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large tomato, chopped (or a small can of tomato sauce)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, boil water and cook the pasta until almost done. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the ground chicken or turkey and cook until no longer raw. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the chopped tomato or tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Pour the cream into the mixture and let it come to a boil. Reduce heat and add the parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top becomes slightly crispy.
9. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approx. 450-500 calories per serving (depending on added fats and seasonings)
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 18-22g (including saturated fat)

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy pasta dish with a hearty meat sauce. Perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit with my family! The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce was so flavorful."
2. "I made this for a dinner party and it was a big hit! The rich sauce paired perfectly with the pasta."
3. "A great dish for a weekend dinner. The baking step gave it a nice crispy top layer."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use ground chicken or turkey for a healthier option. If you prefer a meatier dish, you can increase the amount of ground meat.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs for more flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become too soft and lose its texture. Al dente is the desired texture for this dish.