Creamy Pasta with Minced Meat, Mozzarella, and Fresh Cilantro

If you’re craving a rich, savory, and satisfying pasta dish that comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, this Creamy Pasta with Minced Meat, Mozzarella, and Fresh Cilantro is the recipe for you. It’s an irresistible blend of tender pasta, juicy seasoned meat, creamy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella—all finished with a bright kick of fresh cilantro.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this pasta recipe is comforting, creamy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Let’s dig into this modern comfort dish that takes just one pan and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Fusion / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• Vegetable Oil: 1–2 tablespoons

• Minced Meat (Beef or Mixed): 300 g (about 10 oz)

• Salt: To taste

• Black Pepper: To taste

• Onion: 1, finely chopped

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Chili Pepper: 1 small, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons

• Black Pepper: Extra for seasoning

• Broth (Beef or Vegetable): 200 ml (about ¾ cup)

• Milk: 100 ml (about ⅓ cup)

• Heavy Cream: 100 ml (about ⅓ cup)

For the Pasta

• Pasta of Choice (penne, fusilli, or shells): 250–300 g

• Salt for Pasta Water: 1 teaspoon

For Topping

• Mozzarella Cheese: 100 g, shredded

• Fresh Cilantro: A handful, chopped

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chili pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Minced Meat

Add 300 g of minced meat to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and a bit more black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in 200 ml of broth, 100 ml of milk, and 100 ml of heavy cream. Stir well to combine.

Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy, meaty sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta in the sauce.

If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Cilantro

Stir in 100 g of shredded mozzarella until melted and stretchy. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and mix lightly.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with extra mozzarella or cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

This creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy pasta is perfect comfort food that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to impress.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Calcium: 22% DV

• Iron: 18% DV

• Vitamin A: 20% DV

• Vitamin C: 15% DV

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This dish is a fusion of classic Italian creamy pasta and Latin-inspired seasoning with the inclusion of fresh cilantro and chili. While creamy meat sauces are often associated with Alfredo or Bolognese styles, this variation adds global flair with smoky spices and herbs.

It’s a modern favorite for people looking to go beyond traditional pasta without venturing into complicated territory. The combination of comforting carbs, protein, dairy, and fresh herbs makes this recipe widely loved by both home cooks and food bloggers.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and quick cooking

• Ultra Creamy: Thanks to milk, cream, and mozzarella

• Rich and Meaty: Perfect for meat lovers

• Customizable Heat: Chili pepper adds kick without overwhelming

• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day

• Balanced: Includes protein, carbs, and dairy

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: On the table in under 45 minutes

• Kid-Friendly: Omit chili for a milder version

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Melty cheese + pasta = bliss

• Herbaceous and Bright: Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant finish

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this dish offers a well-rounded profile:

• Minced Meat: A rich source of protein, iron, and B vitamins

• Dairy (Milk, Cream, Cheese): Provides calcium, vitamin D, and fat-soluble vitamins

• Garlic and Onion: Contain antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds

• Chili Pepper: Capsaicin boosts metabolism and circulation

• Cilantro: Contains cleansing antioxidants and aids digestion

For a lighter version, you can use lean meat, reduce the cream, and swap mozzarella for part-skim cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: The perfect partner for scooping up sauce

• Alongside a Green Salad: Lighten the plate with arugula or spinach salad

• With Roasted Vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers

• Topped with Parmesan: For an extra layer of cheesy richness

• With Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti complements the dish

• As a Casserole: Bake in a dish, topped with cheese until bubbly

• With Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens the creamy sauce

• For Meal Prep: Store in portions for easy weekday lunches

• With Pickled Veggies: Add tang to cut through the richness

• With Crushed Red Pepper: Sprinkle for extra heat

Cooking Tips

• Use High-Quality Minced Meat: Beef or a mix of beef and pork works best

• Brown the Meat Thoroughly: Builds rich flavor in the sauce

• Use Fresh Garlic and Onion: Don’t skip this step for depth of flavor

• Simmer the Sauce Gently: Prevents curdling and helps thicken

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Melts better and adds creaminess

• Reserve Pasta Water: Helps create a silky, clingy sauce

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is key so it doesn’t get mushy in sauce

• Add Cilantro Last: Keeps it fresh and aromatic

• Balance the Creaminess: Add more chili or lemon if it feels too rich

• Make it a Bake: Top with breadcrumbs and cheese, bake until golden

Variations to Try

• Spicy Sausage Version: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef

• Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for lentils or sautéed mushrooms

• Chicken Alfredo Twist: Use diced chicken and Parmesan instead of beef and mozzarella

• Taco Pasta: Add cumin, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex spin

• Baked Version: Assemble in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes

• With Spinach or Kale: Stir in greens at the end for color and nutrients

• Pasta Shells or Rigatoni: These shapes hold the sauce beautifully

• With Greek Yogurt: Sub for cream for a lighter, tangy twist

• Add Smoked Paprika: For deeper flavor

• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cream, lentils, and vegan cheese

Conclusion

This Creamy Pasta with Minced Meat, Mozzarella, and Fresh Cilantro is everything a weeknight dinner should be—hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. With bold flavors, creamy textures, and fresh herbs to brighten every bite, it’s a dish that brings comfort and creativity together in one pan.

Serve it at the dinner table, prep it for the week, or share it at a potluck—it’s guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings. Once you try this flavorful fusion pasta, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

FAQ

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Both are great lean alternatives that work well with the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium, depending on the chili used. Omit or reduce for a kid-friendly version.

4. Can I use plant-based cream?
Yes—coconut cream or soy-based cream substitutes work well.

5. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

6. What pasta shape works best?
Short, hearty shapes like penne, shells, fusilli, or rigatoni are perfect.

7. What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Try gouda, Monterey jack, cheddar, or a blend for variety.

8. What if I don’t have broth?
Use water with a bouillon cube or extra milk and season more generously.

9. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely. Try spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted peppers.

10. What herbs go well besides cilantro?
Parsley or chives work well if you’re not a fan of cilantro.