High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta: Quick Dinner (Print Version)
Quick Creamy Beef Pasta delivers a high-protein dinner in under 30 minutes. Rich, savory beef and tender pasta in a luscious sauce for a satisfying meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Savory Beef Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Pasta Embrace
05 -
8 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
06 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 -
1/2 cup milk (2%)
08 -
1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
09 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ Seasoning & Fresh Finish
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set aside. This is the foundation for your Creamy Beef Pasta: High Protein Quick Dinner.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
03 -
Push the beef and onion to one side of the skillet. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the empty side and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute to deepen flavors.
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium) and 1/2 cup milk (2%), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 4 oz cream cheese, softened, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Add the drained short pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency for this Creamy Beef Pasta: High Protein Quick Dinner.
06 -
Season the Creamy Beef Pasta: High Protein Quick Dinner with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving immediately. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra veggie boost, sauté a handful of spinach or diced bell peppers with the onion. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
02 -
Leftovers of this Creamy Beef Pasta store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.
03 -
Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened before adding it to the sauce; this prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth consistency. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes prior or microwave briefly.
04 -
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to complete your meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always a good idea!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 652 kcal
Total Fat: 32 g
Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
Protein: 42 g