Description
This delicious Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a weeknight wonder, combining savory lean ground beef with al dente pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s packed with flavor and protein, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat or light)
- 12 oz medium pasta shape (penne, rigatoni, cavatappi)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- 1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Build the Sauce: Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low.
- 4. Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 5. Combine & Finish: Add cooked pasta and browned beef to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins