High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a dish that has quickly become a family favorite in my kitchen. It combines rich, creamy flavors with the hearty satisfaction of lean ground beef and nutritious spinach. This recipe offers a delectable way to serve pasta — perfect for weeknight dinners, an easy meal for hungry teenagers, or even an impressive dish for casual gatherings with friends. You get all of that creamy indulgence without the guilt, thanks to its high protein content, making it both comforting and nourishing.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the standout features of High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is just how quickly it comes together — ideal for those busy weeknights when time is short but satisfaction is key. You’ll appreciate that it uses common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that everyone around the table will look forward to. This dish is especially pleasing to children, who will love the creamy texture and noodles, while adults will relish the robust flavor profile.
“Absolutely delicious! When I served this to my kids, they couldn’t get enough. The creamy sauce paired with the beef and spinach was a dinner winner!”
How this recipe comes together
Making this hearty pasta dish is a straightforward process that anyone can tackle. You’ll start by cooking your fettuccine until it’s perfectly al dente. While it’s boiling away, you’ll be browning the ground beef in a large skillet. As the beef cooks, you’ll add in flavor with minced garlic and then create a stunning sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Lastly, you’ll toss in fresh spinach, letting it wilt beautifully into the dish, before combining everything for a nourishing plate of pasta.
What you’ll need
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to swap the fettuccine for whole grain or gluten-free options. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and consider subbing in turkey for the beef for a leaner alternative!
Step-by-step instructions
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Begin by cooking the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned.
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Push the cooked beef to one side. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
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Toss in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce while scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Combine the cooked fettuccine with the creamy beef mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your dining experience, consider garnishing your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair it with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also fantastic options for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers of High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, do so on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra cream to revitalize the sauce. If you want to freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
For even more flavor, consider browning the beef with chopped onions or adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like a little crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts right before serving. This dish also works well as a meal prep option; simply divide it into portion-sized containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or arugula, or add vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese — goat cheese or mozzarella can create delightful variations.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for this dish?
Preparation and cooking time combined can take about 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick meal you can whip up after a busy day!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine gives it a classic touch, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta, depending on your preference.
How do I ensure the sauce doesn’t curdle?
To prevent curdling, make sure to keep the heat at medium and gradually mix in the cheese once the cream is heated through. Stirring continuously helps maintain that smooth consistency.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta not only satisfies the cravings for a creamy pasta dish but also packs in protein, making it an excellent choice for a tasty family meal. Dive into this delight, and you might just discover a new go-to recipe!
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Beef
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta Can be substituted with whole grain or gluten-free options.
- 1 lb lean ground beef For a leaner alternative, consider using turkey.
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Alternative cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella can be used.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach Can swap with other leafy greens like kale or arugula.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by cooking the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Preparing the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned.
- Push the cooked beef to one side. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Toss in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce while scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Combining Everything
- Combine the cooked fettuccine with the creamy beef mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
