Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta
This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal that's both delicious and packed with protein. It features lean ground beef, a creamy cottage cheese-based sauce, and protein-rich pasta, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Blender or Food Processor
- saucepan
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat
- ½ cup milk any kind
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the protein pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cottage cheese mixture and cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and beef, and toss to combine.
- Cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and broth. The pasta can be toasted in a skillet with olive oil before adding it to the sauce for added flavor and texture. The sauce can be adjusted to your desired consistency by adding more milk or broth if too thick, or simmering for longer if too thin. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.