If you’re searching for a delicious weeknight meal that packs a nutritional punch, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is your newest dinner hero! Imagine perfectly tender pasta tossed in a lusciously creamy sauce, made hearty with lean ground beef and boosted with bright veggies and fragrant basil. The use of high-protein pasta and a creamy, tomato-rich sauce means you’re serving up comfort food with real staying power — every bite is loaded with goodness and flavor. Kids devour it, grown-ups love it, and the leftovers reheat like a dream!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta comes from a handful of everyday, accessible ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each one plays a role: the pasta and beef provide plenty of protein, while vegetables, herbs, and dairy bring freshness, creaminess, and bold flavor.

Chickpea flour pasta (10 oz): This high-protein pasta holds up beautifully and gives a healthy spin to classic comfort food.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables, creating a flavorful base.
Medium onion, finely diced: Gives sweet depth and a lovely backbone to the sauce.
Medium green bell pepper, finely diced: Offers crunch, color, and a hint of earthy sweetness.
Lean ground beef (1 pound): The star protein source, making the pasta hearty and super satisfying.
Garlic cloves (4, crushed): Brings bold aroma and unmistakable savory kick to the sauce.
Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Classic Italian seasoning that pairs perfectly with tomato and beef.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends subtle warmth and beautiful color.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors throughout.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of mild heat.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Tomato sauce/passata (1 cup): Gives body and a mellow, rich tomato taste to the dish.
Light cream cheese (1/2 cup): The secret to a creamy sauce without excess heaviness.
Light sour cream (1/2 cup): Provides tang and silkiness, blending beautifully with the cream cheese.
Fresh basil leaves (6-8): Adds a burst of fragrance and freshness right at the end.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your chickpea or high-protein pasta. Cook it until just al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, be sure to reserve 1-2 cups of that starchy pasta water — it works wonders for loosening and enriching your sauce if needed later. Set the drained pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper, and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft but not browned, just enough to unlock their sweetness and start the base of your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Step 3: Brown the Beef & Season

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Once it’s evenly browned, stir in the crushed garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let all the flavors meld for another minute or so, until your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste first, letting it cook for a minute to deepen in flavor, then pour in the tomato sauce (passata). Give everything a good stir and let it all bubble together on a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens just a bit.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and add the light cream cheese and light sour cream to the skillet. Stir them through the beefy tomato mixture until the sauce turns rich and silky smooth — that’s when you’ll start seeing the true creamy magic of this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta come to life!

Step 6: Toss Pasta with the Creamy Beef Sauce

Add the cooked (and still warm) pasta to the sauce, using tongs or a sturdy spoon to combine everything. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash or two of your reserved pasta water and keep tossing until every piece of pasta is lightly coated in all that creamy, beefy goodness.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil

Tear up the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over your pasta. Give everything a final gentle toss, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta piping hot, ideally straight from the skillet!

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves or thin ribbons of basil make a visually stunning and aromatic garnish, but don’t stop there! Finish each plate with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a salty kick and some freshly ground black pepper for a restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

Pair your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta with a big green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil for a refreshing balance. Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a platter of grilled mixed vegetables also make vibrant sides. And of course, a slice of warm, crusty bread is always a welcome addition to soak up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun, try serving the pasta family-style in a rustic skillet or ladle individual portions into wide bowls for a cozy, bistro vibe. If you want to impress guests, top each serving with a generous tuft of microgreens or a drizzle of herby pesto to bring out the color and flavor contrast in your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep a little extra reserved pasta water in a jar to help bring back the creaminess when reheating. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This creamy pasta freezes well! Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, making sure to press out any extra air. The High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label and date the containers so you’ll remember when you made your culinary masterpiece.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated pasta, add a splash of water or milk and gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often until creamy and hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. This keeps the sauce just as luscious as when it was made fresh!

FAQs

What makes this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta so filling?

The combination of lean ground beef and high-protein pasta means you’re fueling up with satisfying, muscle-loving protein and fiber, keeping everyone full and energized long after dinner.

Can I use a different type of high-protein pasta?

Absolutely! While chickpea flour pasta is my go-to for its subtle flavor and texture, you can substitute with lentil pasta, whole wheat, or protein-enriched traditional pasta for equally fantastic results.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the light cream cheese and sour cream with your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternatives, like cashew cream or plant-based yogurt. It won’t compromise the velvety texture or taste of your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Can I add more vegetables?

Go for it! Mushrooms, zucchini, or baby spinach are wonderful additions that blend seamlessly with the beef and sauce, boosting both the color and nutrition of the dish.

Is this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta good for meal prep?

Definitely. The sauce coats the pasta perfectly so it doesn’t dry out, and the entire dish reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Give this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta a spin and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation! With hearty flavors, creamy comfort, and a nutritious boost, it’s a dish that brings pure joy to the table — and I promise, you’ll adore every bite.