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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 66 reviews

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta combines tender fettuccine with lean ground beef and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and aromatic garlic, this dish offers a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz Fettuccine Pasta

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach

Instructions

  1. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cooking the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Brown the beef by breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper to your taste while cooking.
  3. Sautéing the Garlic: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Making the Sauce: Stir the heavy cream into the skillet, mixing it with the beef and garlic. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
  5. Adding Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, gently stirring so it wilts evenly into the creamy sauce.
  6. Combining and Serving: Add the cooked fettuccine back into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider topping with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green option.
  • Use lean ground turkey or chicken as an alternative protein for a lighter variation.
  • Ensure garlic is not overcooked to avoid bitterness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, fettuccine recipe, easy dinner, Italian creamy beef, spinach pasta