This creamy high-protein beef pasta is a winner! With tender beef and a rich, cheesy sauce, it comes together in no time and fills you up nicely. Perfect for busy nights!
You’ll love how comforting this dish is. I often find myself going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Who can resist that creamy goodness? 😋
I appreciate that it packs a protein punch while still being so easy to make. Just cook your pasta, brown the beef, mix it all together, and dinner is ready! Simple as that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Whole wheat or chickpea pasta lends extra nutrients and fiber. If you’re gluten-free, there are many great gluten-free options available now like quinoa or rice pasta. I personally love the texture of lentil pasta for its hearty bite!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great, but you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want vegetarian protein, consider using lentils or a veggie crumble instead; they work surprisingly well in this dish!
Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt: Both provide creaminess and protein. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth or cashew cream for that rich texture without the dairy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but if you need a substitute, nutritional yeast can mimic that cheesy flavor in a vegan version. Just sprinkle it in until it tastes right!
How Can I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Creating that smooth, creamy sauce is simple, as long as you keep an eye on the heat. Here are some steps to follow:
- After browning the beef, lower the heat before adding dairy ingredients. High heat can cause curdling.
- Stir in your cottage cheese or Greek yogurt gently and gradually. This helps incorporate it smoothly into the sauce.
- Avoid bringing the sauce to a rolling boil. Instead, heat it through on low and keep stirring for a nice creaminess.
With these tips, your sauce should be perfectly creamy without any lumps!
How to Make Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time is about 30 minutes. This includes around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain it in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef, using a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce:
Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. This adds amazing flavor!
5. Make it Creamy:
Now, stir in the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt along with the grated Parmesan. Mix gently until everything comes together into a creamy sauce. Be careful not to let it boil, as this could cause curdling. Just heat it through on low.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy beef sauce. This should look delicious already!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your dish. If you’d like, add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a lovely touch. Enjoy every bite!
Now, you have a delicious recipe for Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta to share with family and friends. Dig in! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with various pasta types. You can use gluten-free pasta if needed, or try different shapes like penne, fusilli, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian alternative, consider lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Keep them separate until you’re ready to serve, and simply combine and reheat them together right before enjoying!