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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 133 reviews

A rich and satisfying High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta featuring chickpea flour pasta and lean ground beef, combined with a flavorful blend of onions, bell peppers, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This dish is elevated with a creamy tomato sauce made from light cream cheese and sour cream, delivering a healthy, protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

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

Sauce and Meat

  • 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea flour pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in crushed garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Elements: Mix in tomato paste first, stirring well, then pour in tomato sauce (passata). Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add light cream cheese and light sour cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add Fresh Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the pasta. Give a final gentle toss and remove from heat.
  9. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta hot, optionally garnishing with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Chickpea flour pasta adds extra protein and fiber compared to regular wheat pasta.
  • You can substitute light cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier twist.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Use fresh basil for best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if necessary (add earlier in cooking).
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a balanced meal.