Paleo Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce

Indulge in a hearty, gluten-free twist on a classic with this Paleo Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce! Instead of traditional pasta, this recipe features nutrient-packed zucchini noodles, hand-cut into perfect spirals for a light yet satisfying base. The rich, savory meat sauce is a symphony of flavors, crafted with tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, onion, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of herbs like oregano and basil. Sautéed to perfection, the zucchini noodles retain a delightful crunch, complementing the thick, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 50 minutes, this paleo-friendly recipe is perfect for a wholesome dinner that’s both grain-free and dairy-free. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a vibrant, restaurant-quality touch that satisfies without compromise!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large zucchini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the zucchini noodles. Use a spiralizer to cut the zucchini into noodle shapes. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler to achieve similar results.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté them lightly for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook as you want the noodles to maintain some crunch. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 6

Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.

Step 7

Serve the zucchini noodles topped with the meat sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Step 8

Enjoy your healthy and satisfying Paleo Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2493.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1859.6

Total Fat 112.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 301.1mg	0%
Sodium 12231.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 133.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.3g	0%
Total Sugars 101.2g
Protein 97.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 458.4mg	0%
Iron 18.7mg	0%
Potassium 5585.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 27.6%