Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta (Print Version)

Rich pasta dish with lean beef and creamy sauce for a protein-packed meal

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 tbsp 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 tsp dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
12 - Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and completely cooked through, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir constantly until wilted, about 2 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese and milk, mixing continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and red chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get 45 grams of protein per serving without drinking a single shake or eating plain chicken breast again
  • The creamy sauce feels indulgent but comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge
02 -
  • High-protein pasta can become gummy if overcooked, so set a timer for 1 minute less than the package directions
  • The sauce will thicken as it stands, so add a splash more milk if you are reheating leftovers the next day
03 -
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it melts into the sauce smoothly without any lumps
  • Save a splash of pasta water before draining and add it to the sauce if it needs thinning

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