High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Comforting Weeknight Dinners

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting weeknight dish that's quick to make and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces Chickpea or High-Protein Pasta Regular pasta can be used but will decrease protein content.

For the Vegetables

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to substitute with any neutral oil.
1 medium Onion Finely diced.
1 medium Green Bell Pepper Any colored bell pepper or other veggies work as substitutes.

For the Protein

1 pound Lean Ground Beef Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner alternative.

For the Flavor

2 cloves Garlic Crushed.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be substituted.
1 teaspoon Paprika For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika can be used.
to taste Salt Adjust according to your taste.
to taste Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground is best.

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Omitting will lighten the sauce.
1 cup Tomato Sauce or Passata Crushed tomatoes add a chunky texture if preferred.

For Creaminess

4 ounces Light Cream Cheese Full-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be substituted.
½ cup Light Sour Cream Swap in Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.

For the Finish

1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Use parsley if basil isn't available.

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
large skillet
Wooden spoon

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your chickpea or high-protein pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions, typically 8-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and green bell pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Brown the Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, then stir in garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Create the Sauce: Mix in tomato paste and tomato sauce, let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Add Creamy Elements: Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the creamy beef mixture, tossing to coat thoroughly and heating through for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Serve immediately for the best creamy texture. Consider freezing portions of the beef sauce for quick meals later.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!