Description
Whip up our Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta! Lean ground beef, al dente pasta, and a savory broth form this quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner. Simple steps and nutrition info included.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground BeefOpt for 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef for a hearty protein source without excess fat.
- Your Favorite PastaPenne, rotini, or rigatoni work perfectly to cradle the creamy sauce.
- OnionA yellow or white onion, finely chopped, provides a sweet and savory aromatic base.
- GarlicFreshly minced garlic is essential for a pungent, flavorful kick that permeates the sauce.
- Beef BrothUse a low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness and add depth to the sauce.
- MilkWhole milk or 2% milk creates a rich, creamy texture for the sauce without being too heavy.
- Cream CheeseA block of full-fat or light cream cheese melts beautifully to create an incredibly smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Dijon MustardJust a teaspoon adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall savory flavors without making the dish taste like mustard.
- Dried Italian SeasoningA blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary provides classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and Black PepperEssential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.
- Fresh ParsleyChopped fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: Brown the BeefWhile the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then remove the beef and set it aside.
- Step 3: Sauté AromaticsReduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 4: Build the Creamy SaucePour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Combine and ServeReturn the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Notes
- Store any leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making for a delicious and easy meal prep option.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture, especially if using a microwave.
- Serve this hearty pasta dish alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of warm garlic bread to complement the rich flavors.
- For an extra layer of savory depth, don't be tempted to omit the Dijon mustard; its subtle tang really brightens and balances the creamy sauce without making the dish taste overtly like mustard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 380g)
- Calories: 540
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g