Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta (Printable)
Rich and satisfying high protein pasta with lean beef in a creamy sauce, ready in 40 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 14 oz lean ground beef
→ Pasta
02 - 10 oz high-protein pasta (lentil or chickpea pasta)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 7 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Sauces & Dairy
06 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
07 - 1/2 cup milk (dairy or protein-enriched plant milk)
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
12 - Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese and milk, mixing until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. Add the Parmesan, Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to combine and fully coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and red chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce comes together so quickly you'll feel like you're pulling off a kitchen trick
- Each serving packs 45g of protein without drinking a single shake or eating plain chicken breast
02 -
- High protein pasta can turn gummy if overcooked, so set your timer for two minutes less than the package recommends and check
- The sauce thickens considerably as it stands, so if you're meal prepping, reserve a splash of milk to loosen it when reheating
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan fresh because pre grated often has anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly
- Season your pasta water generously since high protein pastas can be bland on their own