Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

A quick and comforting dish that combines lean ground beef, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously silky cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

6 ounces your favorite pasta Choose shapes that hold sauce well, like shells, rotini, or penne.
1 pound lean ground beef 90 to 93 percent lean for the best texture and protein.
1 cup heavy cream Creates the silky sauce.
1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella both work; a blend is lovely.

Cooking Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking.
1 teaspoon garlic powder Use 1 to 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic if preferred.
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper Start small and adjust at the end.
optional fresh herbs Parsley or basil for garnish.

Method

Preparing the Pasta

Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Cooking the Beef

Warm the skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season the beef with garlic powder, salt and pepper, mixing to combine.

Making the Sauce

Turn the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until it warms through.
Add the shredded cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends into a smooth sauce.

Combining

Toss the drained pasta in the skillet until well coated with the cheesy beef cream.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Taste as you go to avoid over-salting. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. Leftovers can be transformed into stuffed peppers or baked casseroles.