High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
A comforting creamy beef pasta dish, quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners with rich flavors and budget-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta and Soup Base
- 8 oz 8 oz (225 g) pasta (any shape you love) Penne or fusilli recommended
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef Substitute with turkey for a lighter option
- 1 cup 1 cup beef broth Or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist
Cream and Seasonings
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter meal
- 1 small 1 small onion, finely chopped Add garlic for extra flavor
- 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated yields the best texture
- Salt and pepper To taste
Garnishes
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish, or use basil for a fresh touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Adjust seasoning if needed, and allow flavors to meld for a minute.
- Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra veggies, or give it a kick with red pepper flakes. To enhance flavor, use fresh herbs or a blend of cheeses.