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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

A quick and nourishing weeknight dinner that combines savory beef and creamy pasta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or whole wheat)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or pecorino Romano)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley and thyme (or dried herbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, allowing noodles to get coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. Dish out the creamy beef pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute. Feel free to modify ingredients based on pantry availability.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, high protein meal, comfort food