Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for a Hearty Delicious Meal - Featured Image

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for a Hearty Delicious Meal

Learn how to make delicious High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the best flavors without fuss. I always choose fresh, quality beef—lean ground beef works wonderfully here to keep it hearty but not greasy. For the creamy sauce, I prefer using a mix of cream and a touch of cheese to add depth without overwhelming the dish. Pasta-wise, I opt for whole wheat or high-protein varieties to boost nutrition, especially with kids in mind. Feel free to swap dairy cream for coconut milk or use ground turkey if you want a lighter twist.

  • 12 ounces whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne or rotini work great)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 4-5 minutes, to concentrate flavors.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, recipe, cooking, food