High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for added fiber, but if you’re looking for a higher protein option, chickpea or lentil pasta works wonderfully. These alternatives give a nice texture and are more filling.

Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier dish. If you want a different flavor, try using ground turkey or chicken—both are tasty and also high in protein.

Cream Cheese or Greek Yogurt: I like using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option with extra protein. If you’re dairy-free, look for cashew cream or coconut cream as a substitute!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if you want a dairy-free option.

Why Is Browning the Beef Important?

Browning the ground beef is crucial for developing flavor in your creamy beef pasta. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you add the beef. This helps create a nice sear.
• Break the beef into small pieces using a spatula as it cooks. This results in even cooking and texture.
• Browning should take about 6-8 minutes until all the meat is no longer pink. Don’t rush this step—good color means better flavor!

How Can I Make the Sauce Creamy?

For a deliciously creamy sauce, follow these tips:

• Lower the heat before adding cream cheese or Greek yogurt. This prevents it from curdling.
• Stir continuously as you add the cream cheese until it’s completely melted for a smooth consistency.
• Adding Parmesan cheese at the end helps thicken the sauce while enhancing its flavor.

These small twists can elevate your dish and make cooking even more enjoyable! Happy cooking!

How to Make High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) whole wheat or high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional for extra nutrition)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano and basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 20 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 10 minutes to cook everything. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still be a little firm). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

2. Sauté the Onion:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning too much.

3. Add Garlic:

Now, you want to add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma!

4. Brown the Beef:

Next up, add the ground beef to the skillet. Get a spatula and break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain it off.

5. Simmer with Broth:

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the beef broth and your Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes to let the flavors blend and reduce slightly.

6. Make the Sauce Creamy:

Now it’s time to make it creamy! Reduce the heat to low and add in the cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

7. Cheese and Spinach:

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a good stir. If you’re adding baby spinach for some extra nutrition, fold that in and let it cook for just a minute until it wilts.

8. Combine with Pasta:

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with your creamy beef sauce. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in that delicious sauce.

9. Season to Taste:

Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking!

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like. Dig in and enjoy your filling, protein-rich creamy beef pasta!

Happy cooking! 🍽️

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?

Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary.

Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?

Yes, you can! Look for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative, or even try ground lamb for a richer flavor. Vegetarian options like lentils or plant-based ground meat are great if you’re looking for a meat-free version.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions for a delicious added texture.