Description
This High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta combines lean ground beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and protein-packed pasta for a delicious and hearty meal. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 12 oz pasta (whole wheat or high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Make the creamy sauce: Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and aromatics. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy beef pasta with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately!
- Enjoy: Enjoy this high-protein creamy beef pasta as a satisfying dinner that’s rich in flavor and packed with protein.
Notes
- Variations: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more nutrients and flavor. Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Use different meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat like lentils or chickpea crumbles are great alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
