Pasta with Beef and Lemon

This bright and flavourful Lemon Garlic Beef Pasta is a delightful combination of zesty lemon, savory beef and al dente pasta. It's a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

8 oz penne or other passta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon
¼ Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
red pepper flakes, optional
fresh parsley, optional

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Push the ground beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine the ground beef and garlic, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the lemon garlic beef mixture.

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to incorporate the cheese.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Makes 4 servings.