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Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal, offering a hearty, satisfying, and protein-packed dinner that's surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe is your go-to for a delicious and filling meal without the fuss, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
    8 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher), 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  4. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
    1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so taste before adding too much extra salt.
    1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste, 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  7. Add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
    8 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape), 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  8. Divide the Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly satisfying meal!
    1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Notes

This recipe is designed for busy households and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's a budget-friendly alternative to takeout.