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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

A comforting dish that combines lean beef with a rich, creamy sauce over protein-enriched pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 12 ounces whole-grain or protein-enriched pasta Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well; swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 90 percent lean for more protein and less fat; can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Shallots add a subtler sweetness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Brings warmth; roast an extra clove for a mellow flavor.
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth Vegetable broth works for a lighter taste.
  • 1 red bell pepper diced Optional for color and sweetness; can swap spinach with kale.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened oat milk Use half-and-half for extra indulgence.
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Greek yogurt (thinned) can be used for a tangy healthy option.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving; try Pecorino Romano for more bite.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley or basil For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and a little golden, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Lower the heat and stir in the milk and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. If it looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  3. Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine, making sure each piece is coated in creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to reach a silky consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and an extra shower of Parmesan.

Notes

Great make-ahead meal; sauce deepens in flavor if made a day early. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.