This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty and delicious one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal packed with lean protein and incredible flavor. Its rich, creamy sauce coats tender pasta and savory ground beef, making it a satisfying choice for the whole family.
Key Ingredients for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, proving that healthy and delicious can be incredibly easy. The magic lies in the one-pan method, where everything cooks together, infusing the pasta with rich beefy flavor and creating a luscious, creamy sauce without the fuss. Get ready for a satisfying meal that’s as simple as it is scrumptious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dry pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the pasta beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderfully satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
You’ll adore this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for its incredibly satisfying, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta. It’s your new go-to for a hearty, protein-rich dinner that’s surprisingly budget-friendly to whip up at home, especially compared to dining out. With savory ground beef and a flavorful Parmesan kick, it’s a step up from your basic beef and noodles, offering a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.
Imagine a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly healthy, making it an ideal weeknight hero. This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta delivers on flavor and nutrition without demanding hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience a truly delicious and wholesome meal that your whole family will rave about.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this delicious High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta has cooled completely before sealing the container.
To reheat, you have a few excellent options. For a quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon or two of water or broth and microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash more broth or cream if needed to revive the creamy texture. For freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; its ease and deliciousness are truly unmatched for a weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher), 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dry pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred), 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce.12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the pasta beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Ladle the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderfully satisfying meal!1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish