Quick & Easy Pasta alla Genovese (Onion & Beef Sauce – Naples) – Italian Pasta Recipe

Introduction:

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Naples with this Quick & Easy Pasta alla Genovese, a traditional Neapolitan pasta dish that’s all about slow-cooked onions and tender beef, transformed into a silky, savory sauce. Despite its name, this dish has nothing to do with Genoa, it’s a Campanian classic known for its sweet onion base, hearty meat, and deep, caramelized flavor. We’ve simplified the traditional slow-braise method to give you a shortcut version that’s perfect for weeknights, without sacrificing the soul of this iconic Italian comfort food.

Ingredients:

For 2–3 Servings:

1. 200g (7 oz) pasta (ziti, rigatoni, or penne preferred)
2. 250g (9 oz) beef stew meat or ground beef
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 1 tablespoon butter
5. 2–3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
6. 1 small carrot, finely chopped
7. 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
8. 1 bay leaf
9. ½ cup dry white wine
10. Salt and black pepper to taste
11. Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (for serving)

Optional Add-Ins:

1. 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer flavor)
2. Fresh thyme or rosemary
3. Dash of nutmeg for depth
4. Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling before serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped carrot and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Onions & Cook Down

Add the sliced onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until they become soft, golden, and jammy. For deeper flavor, let them caramelize slowly.

Step 3: Add the Beef

Add the beef stew meat (cut into small pieces) or ground beef to the onions. Brown it lightly, then deglaze the pan with white wine. Add the bay leaf and simmer for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the onion and beef sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmigiano and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Optional Variations:

• Traditional Touch: Use ziti and slow-cooked beef chunks for a more authentic approach.
• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the beef and use mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Baked Version: Layer pasta and sauce in a dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Pressure Cooker Hack: Speed up the onion-beef base using a pressure cooker in half the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Classic Italian Comfort – Deep, savory flavors from humble ingredients.
• One-Pot Sauce – The onions and beef melt into a silky, savory coating.
• Customizable & Hearty – Make it your own while keeping it authentically Neapolitan.
• Weeknight-Friendly – A simplified version of a slow-cooked classic.

Pasta alla Genovese is not your average meat sauce, it’s a celebration of onions, beef, and patience. With this shortcut version, you can enjoy all the flavor of this iconic Neapolitan dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Warm, rich, and satisfying, it’s pasta night done right.