This Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a simple and satisfying dish that brings together tender ground beef, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s got the richness of cream and the heartiness of beef, making it a great meal when you want something filling but not complicated.
I love making this recipe on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and the creamy sauce feels like a little comfort hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s packed with protein, so it keeps me full and energized without any extra fuss. Adding a bit of garlic and herbs always takes it up a notch for me.
My favorite way to enjoy this pasta is with a simple green salad on the side and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. It’s one of those meals that feels special but is totally doable anytime you want a tasty, protein-rich dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using lean ground beef adds lots of protein without extra fat. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken—they work well too!
Rotini pasta: I like spiral pasta because it holds the sauce nicely. But feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce that creamy, rich texture. For a lighter twist, you can swap half the cream with milk or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty touch that melts perfectly. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a hard aged cheese can be great substitutes.
Spices (smoked paprika & oregano): These give warm, slightly smoky and herbal notes. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder add nice flavor too.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Thick and Smooth?
The creamy sauce is key to this pasta’s yum factor. Here’s how I make it creamy without lumps:
- Cook the onion and garlic gently to build flavor first.
- Brown the beef well, breaking it into small pieces so it melts into the sauce.
- When adding tomato sauce and cream, stir constantly over low heat for a smooth blend.
- Simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, but don’t rush—low and slow helps the cream stay silky.
- Finally, stir in Parmesan off the heat to melt it without graininess.
Taking these steps ensures the sauce hugs every pasta spiral, making each bite creamy and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta evenly without crowding it.
- Large skillet or frying pan – great for cooking the beef and tossing the pasta with sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce smoothly.
- Colander – to drain the pasta quickly and easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your sauce ingredients balanced and tasty.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lower fat while keeping protein high.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and a nice texture contrast.
- Stir in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your creamy sauce.
- Try replacing Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for a milder, gooey finish.
Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
For The Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you can enjoy your creamy beef pasta in just about 30 minutes total. It’s a perfect quick meal for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Cook the Beef and Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, mixing everything together until smooth. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the sauce thickens a bit.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well so the pasta is nicely coated in the creamy beef sauce.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir it in until melted and creamy.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the pasta warm and enjoy your hearty, protein-packed meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly without steaming and keeps the texture nice.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Adding a teaspoon of flour can help thicken it.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick.
What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Rotini or any spiral-shaped pasta is great because it holds the creamy sauce well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work perfectly for this dish.
