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The Ultimate Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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  • Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 30-45 Minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

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


Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 12 ounces (340g) short-cut pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (full-fat, not half-and-half)
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14.5 ounces (411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • Finishing Touch:
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

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

Notes

Stir Parmesan cheese vigorously off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.

Store leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Substitute regular short-cut pasta with gluten-free short-cut pasta for a delicious gluten-free meal.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Prepare the creamy beef sauce 1-2 days in advance; cook pasta fresh just before serving for optimal texture.

Caramelize tomato paste for two minutes before adding liquids to deepen the sauce’s rich flavor.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten