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Creamy high protein beef pasta dish served in a bowl with garnishes

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

A comforting pasta dish that combines lean ground beef with a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 12 ounces pasta, cooked to al dente (short shapes like penne or rigatoni) Measure dry weight before cooking.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) To keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Provides silkiness in the sauce; full-fat gives the best texture.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Use sharp cheddar for more flavor or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier finish.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds aroma.
  • to taste none salt and black pepper Start light and adjust at the end.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the garlic and browning the beef; use extra virgin for flavor.
  • a handful none fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) Brightens the final plate.

Method
 

Cooking the pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining for a thicker sauce.
Sautéing garlic and beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Creating the sauce
  1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well.
  2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
  3. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

This dish can be customized with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings based on preference. Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container.