Looking for a delicious, macro-friendly meal that satisfies your cravings? This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe is your answer! It offers incredible flavor and a rich, creamy texture, making it perfect for any night of the week. Best of all, it comes together quickly and easily, proving that nutritious and comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying dish everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this irresistible pasta dish for so many reasons. It’s truly a weeknight hero!
- Protein Powerhouse: Each serving boasts an impressive amount of protein, keeping you full and energized. This makes it an excellent choice for fitness goals or just staying satisfied. Research highlights that a high-protein diet can significantly reduce body fat and improve satiety.
- Effortless Meal Prep: It’s incredibly easy to make a big batch for future meals. Enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week with minimal effort.
- Irresistibly Creamy & Flavorful: The rich, savory beef combined with a luscious creamy sauce creates a comforting taste experience. This dish feels like a treat but is surprisingly balanced.
- Simple & Quick: Using straightforward ingredients and a streamlined process, you can have this amazing meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta
Creating this delightful high protein creamy beef pasta recipe starts with a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already!
- 10 oz chickpea flour pasta (or any high-protein pasta like lentil, whole wheat, or durum)
For those curious about its health benefits, Healthline provides a comprehensive overview of chickpea pasta’s nutritional advantages. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean)
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce (passata)
- 1/2 cup light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Pasta: Feel free to use whole wheat, durum wheat, or gluten-free pasta. Any short pasta shape works wonderfully here.
- Ground Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble can easily replace the beef. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Greek yogurt is a good, tangy alternative for light sour cream.
- Vegetables: Boost your veggie intake by adding sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach, or diced zucchini. Stir them in with the bell pepper.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of oregano and paprika to your taste. For a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Equipment Needed
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items for this high protein creamy beef pasta recipe.
- Large pot for cooking the pasta.
- Large skillet or deep pan for browning the beef and preparing the sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect meal every time.
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of heavily salted water. Cook the chickpea flour pasta according to its package instructions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper to the hot oil. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and slightly tender.
- Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef apart into smaller crumbles. Cook the beef until it is completely browned through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add aromatics & spices: Stir the crushed garlic into the browned beef and vegetables. Cook for just one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices well to coat the beef and vegetables, allowing them to bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Develop the sauce base: Mix in the tomato paste, stirring it into the beef mixture for about one minute to slightly toast it. Then, pour in the tomato sauce (passata). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Create creaminess: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the light cream cheese and light sour cream until they are fully incorporated and the sauce becomes wonderfully smooth and creamy. Return the skillet to low heat, just long enough to heat the sauce through without boiling, ensuring the creamy texture remains perfect.
- Combine & serve: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the rich, delicious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Tear up the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta
Achieve restaurant-quality results with these expert tips for your high protein creamy beef pasta recipe. These small details make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some starchy pasta water. It’s the secret ingredient for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Low and Slow Veggies: Don’t rush sautéing the onions and bell peppers. Allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize builds a fantastic depth of flavor for your sauce.
- Temper Dairy: Adding cold dairy directly to a piping hot sauce can sometimes cause it to curdle. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream off the heat, then gently warm.
- Don’t Overcook Sauce: Once the creaminess is incorporated, avoid boiling the sauce vigorously. Gentle heating maintains its smooth, luscious texture without breaking it.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: Fresh basil adds a vibrant burst of flavor and color. Stir it in right at the very end, just before serving, to preserve its freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Salting Pasta Water Enough: Generously salt your pasta water; it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Draining All Pasta Water: Always save at least a cup of pasta water. You might need it to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Brown beef in batches if necessary. An overcrowded pan steams the meat instead of browning it, which affects flavor.
- Adding Cold Dairy Directly: Allow cream cheese and sour cream to come to room temperature, or warm them gently before adding, to prevent clumping.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to serve it best, store leftovers, and experiment with exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese always elevates the flavors. It adds a salty, umami kick.
- Green Salad: Pair your pasta with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover delicious sauce from your plate.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy some heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.
- Extra Cheesy: Boost the cheese factor by stirring in half a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella along with the cream cheese.
- Veggie Boost: Easily incorporate more vegetables by adding a handful of fresh kale, sautéed mushrooms, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Parsley or chives make wonderful substitutes or additions to basil, offering slightly different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Information
This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe offers a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal. The lean beef and chickpea pasta contribute significantly to the protein content, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 568 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 47 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg |
| Sodium | 929 mg |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Potassium | 920 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1858 IU |
| Vitamin C | 47 mg |
| Calcium | 173 mg |
| Iron | 11 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about making this delightful high protein creamy beef pasta recipe? We’ve got answers to help you perfect this dish.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Look for dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream brands.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Absolutely! This pasta freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- What pasta shapes work best? Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce wonderfully. Feel free to use your favorite.
- How can I make this spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Can I use ground pork or sausage? Yes, ground pork or Italian sausage (casing removed) can be great substitutes. Adjust cooking time and seasoning if using seasoned sausage.
Conclusion
This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe is a fantastic example of a simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, boasts an impressive protein punch, and delivers that comforting creaminess everyone loves. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next weeknight dinner. We are confident it will become a new family favorite! Share your creations and feedback with us, and don’t forget to leave a rating!
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
A rich and satisfying high-protein pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Steps
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart, then stir in crushed garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper for another minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, cooking just enough to heat the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss it in the creamy beef sauce to coat everything well, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Tear fresh basil leaves over the pasta, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.