Ingredients for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7): The star protein for this high protein creamy beef pasta, providing a hearty base. Use 90/10 for best flavor and texture.
• 16 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini): The essential carbohydrate foundation, holding the rich sauce beautifully. Penne or rotini work best for catching the creamy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The base for sautéing aromatics and browning the beef. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds deep savory flavor to the sauce base. Low sodium allows better control over the final seasoning.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers luxurious richness and signature creaminess to the sauce. Don’t substitute for a truly decadent experience.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Provides essential tangy depth and a vibrant color to the sauce. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: An aromatic foundation, building a sweet and savory flavor base. Finely dice for even distribution throughout the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent, aromatic depth, crucial for any savory pasta dish. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds umami, deepening the sauce’s complexity. Cook until slightly caramelized for richness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for boosting savory beef flavor and adding a subtle tang. A little goes a long way here.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes salty, nutty notes and enhances the sauce’s creaminess. Freshly grated is essential for superior melting and flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that provides classic Italian-American flavor. Adjust to your taste preference.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): The most crucial seasoning, enhancing all other flavors in the dish. Always season to taste throughout cooking.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick. Freshly ground black pepper makes a significant difference.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and color. Stir some in at the end for extra vibrancy.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds a fantastic flavor base for your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Brown Beef:

Add lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This ensures a robust, flavorful foundation for your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Simmer Sauce:

Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This develops the rich, complex flavors of your sauce. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes.

Cook Pasta:

While the sauce simmers, cook your short pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Al dente pasta prevents a mushy texture in your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Add Cream:

Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese into the simmering beef sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and emulsify. This creates that irresistible creamy texture you crave.

Combine Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Garnish & Serve:

Serve your delicious High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight dinner.

How to Store High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

To keep your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay good for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long, or the quality degrades quickly – trust me, I’ve had to toss perfectly good meals before. Always check for any off smells or slimy texture before enjoying.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the sauce up to 2-3 days in advance and refrigerate. Cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture. When reheating, a splash of beef broth can help restore moisture.

What to Serve with High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

To serve this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, simply dish it warm directly from the pot. For a touch of elegance, garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or a gathering. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread. Enjoy every satisfying bite!

My personal favorite way to serve it is alongside a simple, vibrant side salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens perfectly complement the rich, creamy pasta, adding a delightful contrast that makes the whole meal even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta?

Yes, you can! While lean ground beef works best, ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. Just ensure they are lean to avoid excess grease, a mistake I learned from. You might need to adjust seasoning slightly.

→ How do I prevent my High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta from becoming mushy?

To prevent mushy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, always cook your short pasta to al dente according to package directions. Overcooking is a common mistake I made. Drain it well and combine with the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I make this creamy beef pasta ahead of time or freeze leftovers?

You can prepare the sauce 2-3 days ahead and refrigerate for convenience. For freezing, I recommend freezing the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Combine with freshly cooked pasta later; freezing cooked pasta often results in a poor texture.

→ What if I want to make this creamy beef pasta recipe gluten-free?

Yes, making this creamy beef pasta gluten-free is simple. Just substitute regular short pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. I’ve found that many brands hold up well. Ensure your beef broth is also certified gluten-free.

→ How do I adjust the recipe if I want to make a larger batch?

You can easily double or halve this recipe. Simply adjust all ingredient quantities proportionally, including the seasonings. For larger batches, use a very large pot to ensure even cooking and stirring, which I learned is crucial for good results.