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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

This high-protein creamy beef pasta combines the rich flavors of lean ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a luscious creamy sauce made with light cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for meal prep, it uses chickpea flour pasta to boost protein content while keeping fat low, delivering a satisfying and nutritious meal that's both delicious and easy to make.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 10 oz (300 g) chickpea flour pasta, or any high-protein pasta

Sauce and Beef Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce, passata
  • ½ cup (125 g) light cream cheese
  • ½ cup (125 g) light sour cream
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea flour pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside for later.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Then add the crushed garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, stirring well and cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce (passata) with the beef mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
  5. Add Creamy Elements: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese and light sour cream. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them in for a burst of freshness.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately while hot. Optionally garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Using chickpea flour pasta increases the protein content and adds fiber, making this dish more nutritious.
  • Reserving pasta cooking water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Lean ground beef keeps the fat content lower while maintaining rich flavor.
  • This dish is excellent for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based versions.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/high-protein-creamy-beef-pasta-recipe/