Pasta Genovese

Pasta Genovese is a rich, comforting Italian dish hailing from the city of Genoa. It features a savory sauce made from slow-cooked onions, olive oil, and tender meat, often accompanied by pasta, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. The secret to this dish lies in the slow-cooking process, which transforms simple ingredients into a deeply aromatic sauce. Pasta Genovese is perfect for anyone craving a warm, satisfying meal with traditional Italian flavors.

To begin, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions to the pot and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning. The key to a perfect Genovese sauce is allowing the onions to soften and caramelize over time, which usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour. The onions will release their natural sweetness, creating a base that infuses the sauce with a rich, savory flavor.

Once the onions are caramelized, add your choice of meat. Traditionally, veal or beef is used, but you can also use pork if preferred. Cut the meat into chunks and add it to the pot with the onions. Brown the meat on all sides, allowing it to develop a nice sear. After the meat is browned, add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Next, add some broth (either beef or vegetable) to the pot, ensuring the meat and onions are well-covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook low and slow for about 2-3 hours. The long cooking time allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious, savory sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a bit more broth to keep it at the right consistency.

While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. The best pasta to use for Pasta Genovese is something hearty, like rigatoni or trofie, which can hold up to the rich sauce. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help bind the sauce later.

When the sauce is ready, shred or chop the meat into smaller pieces and toss it with the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly. Serve the pasta Genovese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Pasta Genovese is the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting, flavorful experience that showcases the heart of Italian cuisine.

Pasta Genovese

3.66 from 52 votes

Pasta Genovese is a traditional Italian dish, rich and savory, featuring slow-cooked onions, beef and spices, served with pasta.

Servings –+ people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 200 grams beef chuck cut into chunks
• 4 large onions thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 200 grams pasta such as paccheri or ziti
• 1 teaspoon salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook until they become golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
• Add the beef chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and add salt and pepper. Bring it to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it cook slowly for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the pasta in a separate pot until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
• Combine the pasta with the beef and onion sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 900kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 40gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 1100mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 20mg

Calories: 900kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: italian cuisine, pasta, Slow-cooking

Cooking Method: Boiled

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich, hearty broth. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any time of the year.

Check out this recipe

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and simple dish combining baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta, delivering a delightful and easy-to-make meal.

Check out this recipe

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta.

Check out this recipe

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a traditional pasta salad, packed with fresh ingredients and a creamy avocado dressing.

Check out this recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fresh broccoli and pasta, tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad packed with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing.

Check out this recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Combining the fresh flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with pasta makes it both hearty and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

Cajun Beef Pasta With Vegetables

This Cajun Beef Pasta with Vegetables is a deliciously spicy and flavorful dish combining tender beef, assorted vegetables, and pasta, all tossed together in a rich and creamy Cajun sauce.

Check out this recipe

Alfredo Salmon Pasta

This delicious Alfredo Salmon Pasta combines tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and succulent salmon into a comforting and savory meal.

Check out this recipe

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

This One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines spaghetti and fresh kale in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.

Check out this recipe