Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta | Easy Healthy Quick Dinner Recipe
Whip up this Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta in a flash! Lean ground beef, savory onion, and garlic meet healthy whole wheat pasta for a satisfying, quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) Whole Wheat or Lentil Pasta
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 cup (240ml) Low Sodium Beef Broth
- 4 oz (110g) Light Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 cups (60g) Fresh Spinach
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened light cream cheese until it completely melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers keep beautifully! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for a delicious meal later.
- To reheat, gently warm individual portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or even a little milk to restore its creamy texture.
- For an even more satisfying meal, serve this hearty pasta alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
- For the creamiest, most luscious sauce, make sure your light cream cheese is truly at room temperature and well-softened before stirring it in; this helps it melt seamlessly without any lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (400g)
- Calories: 610
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 7g