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Creamy Beef Pasta

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This creamy beef pasta is a high-protein, comforting dinner featuring lean ground beef, a velvety cottage cheese and cream sauce, and tender pasta. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz dried pasta (penne, rotini, or shells; whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (blended for creamy texture)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat beef evenly. Reduce heat to medium.
  5. In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds).
  6. Add blended cottage cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and beef broth to the skillet with beef. Stir until well combined.
  7. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until slightly thickened and glossy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy beef sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce. Use lean ground beef for a lighter dish, or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are easy with alternative pastas and plant-based dairy. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, high protein pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef pasta, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-beef-pasta-recipe-easy-high-protein-dinner-idea/