Ingredients for Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7): The star protein for this high protein creamy beef pasta. Choose lean for less grease and a healthier, satisfying meal.
• 12 ounces (340g) short-cut pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi): This essential base soaks up the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. Choose a sturdy shape that holds the sauce well.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (full-fat, not half-and-half): Provides the ultimate richness and velvety texture, making this creamy beef pasta truly indulgent. Crucial for a luxurious finish.
• 1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce, adding depth without excessive salt. Essential for consistency.
• 14.5 ounces (411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a bright, tangy counterpoint and essential body to the savory beef pasta sauce. Don’t drain for extra liquid.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed, building foundational flavor. Don’t skip this essential aromatic for the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the creamy beef pasta with pungent, savory depth. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor impact.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor, adding umami and color to the sauce. Sauté it briefly to enhance richness.
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Melts into the sauce for a salty, umami kick, helping to thicken it. Use freshly grated for best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste: Essential for seasoning the beef and pasta sauce, balancing all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery bite, complementing the rich beef and creamy sauce. Freshly ground makes a difference.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend: A convenient mix of herbs providing classic savory notes to this creamy beef pasta. An easy way to add complex flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green garnish to the finished dish. Essential for visual appeal.

How to Make Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Brown Beef:

In a large skillet, brown lean ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains; drain fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. This forms the flavorful base for your creamy beef pasta.

Build Sauce:

Stir in tomato paste, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits. This creates a rich foundation for your creamy sauce.

Add Cream:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine everything. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. This ensures a rich, savory base.

Cook Pasta:

Add your short-cut pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir frequently, cooking until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most liquid, about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Finish Creaminess:

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese vigorously until it melts and emulsifies into the sauce, making it extra creamy and rich. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfection.

Serve Dish:

Garnish your Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight.

How to Store Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

To store leftover Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out can lead to spoilage – don’t do what I did and forget to put it away. Discard immediately if you notice an off smell or mold.

For meal prep, you can prepare the creamy beef sauce up to 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving, then combine for optimal texture and flavor.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to rehydrate and loosen the sauce for a creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

To serve this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, ladle generous portions hot from the skillet. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a perfect presentation. It’s best to enjoy immediately, warm and comforting. This hearty dish would pair wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

My personal favorite way to serve this is family-style, straight from the skillet into big, comforting bowls. It feels so cozy and encourages everyone to enjoy a second helping. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta?

No, always use full-fat heavy cream. Half-and-half won’t thicken properly, leading to a watery disappointment like some of my early attempts. Stick to heavy cream for a rich, savory sauce.

→ How do I prevent the Parmesan cheese from clumping in the creamy beef pasta sauce?

Stir the Parmesan cheese in vigorously off the heat. Adding it while still on high heat or without stirring can cause it to clump and become grainy, which definitely isn’t fun to eat.

→ Can I make this Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta recipe gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute regular short-cut pasta with your favorite gluten-free short-cut pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the flavor will remain just as delicious.

→ How long can I store leftover High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta in the fridge?

You can safely store leftover High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Promptly refrigerate it to prevent spoilage, don’t forget it out like I once did!

→ Can I make the creamy beef sauce ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy beef sauce 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving, then combine everything for optimal texture and delicious flavor.