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Effortless High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta: Quick Dinner

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  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make high protein creamy beef pasta with lean ground beef and a rich sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 16 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Seasonings & Garnish:
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Notes

Cook pasta to al dente to prevent mushiness, a crucial step for perfect creamy beef pasta texture.

Store High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Lean ground turkey or chicken can substitute beef; adjust seasonings as needed for best flavor.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Prepare the sauce 2-3 days ahead and refrigerate; cook pasta fresh just before serving for optimal texture.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten, Fish