High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta (Print Version)
High protein creamy beef pasta ready in 30 minutes. Packed with lean ground beef and a rich sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Protein Base
01 -
1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 -
1/2 cup cottage cheese (full fat)
04 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Silky Cream Sauce
05 -
1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
06 -
3/4 cup heavy cream
07 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
08 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
→ Savory Aromatics & Seasoning
10 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
11 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
14 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Pasta & Finishing Touches
15 -
12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni)
16 -
2 tbsp olive oil
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
18 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside — this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Dinner comes together fast, so timing matters.
02 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 -
Add 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (90/10) to the skillet with the aromatics. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Season generously with salt, pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
04 -
Sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the beef and stir well to coat. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup low-sodium beef broth and 3/4 cup heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
05 -
Reduce heat to low and add 4 oz softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Fold in 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick, silky, and creamy — the heart of this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Dinner.
06 -
Add the drained penne or rigatoni directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Dinner should look luscious and glossy.
07 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Plate your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Dinner into four bowls and top each serving with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and a generous sprinkle of 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cottage Cheese Tip: Don't skip the cottage cheese — it blends seamlessly into the sauce and adds a significant protein boost without any grainy texture. Full-fat works best for a richer, creamier result.
02 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: Swap penne or rigatoni for rotini, ziti, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace the beef for a lighter version while keeping the protein content high.
03 -
🧊 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Tip: Pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic in Step 2.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or sauté pan
03 -
Colander
04 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 38 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 52 g