Description
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner loaded with lean beef, cheddar cheese, and rotini pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect protein-packed meal for busy weeknights, post-workout dinners, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 pounds lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 pound rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: Fresh or dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 5–6 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease and return the pan to the heat.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in garlic, dried basil, oregano, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1 minute while stirring to coat the beef evenly.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Mix well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: Stir the heavy cream and cooked pasta into the sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Swap in turkey or chickpea pasta for variations.
Freeze only if necessary; sauce may separate when thawed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stove Top
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 747
- Sugar: 10.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 75.2 g
- Protein: 48.9 g