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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

A comforting and creamy beef pasta dish that's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Beef Base
  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne) Any shape that holds sauce beautifully
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) Substitute with turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 medium onion, diced For a base of flavor that’s hard to beat
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Essential for the creamy sauce
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream Makes the dish luxuriously creamy; can use half-and-half for a lighter option
  • 1 cup beef broth Homemade or store-bought works fine
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Essential for that rich umami kick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Enhance the flavors perfectly
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) For color and freshness

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet, cooking until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  2. Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining the Dish
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pasta sauce in a separate container for up to three months.