High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
A comforting and nutritious High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta made with chickpea flour pasta and lean ground beef, combined with a flavorful tomato and herb sauce, finished with light cream cheese and sour cream for extra creaminess. This dish is perfect for those seeking a protein-packed, satisfying meal with a smooth, creamy texture and fresh basil aroma.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Pasta
- 10 oz (300 g) chickpea flour pasta, or any high-protein pasta
Sauce and Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce, passata
- ½ cup (125 g) light cream cheese
- ½ cup (125 g) light sour cream
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea flour pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the crushed garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Elements: Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce (passata), stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for about 10 minutes to develop flavor and slightly thicken.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Turn the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese and light sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the pasta, folding them in just before serving to release their aroma and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpea flour pasta with any high-protein pasta if preferred.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes along with the paprika.
- Use light cream cheese and sour cream to keep the dish lower in fat and calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish; if unavailable, dried basil can be used but add earlier in the cooking process.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, chickpea flour pasta, healthy pasta recipe, creamy tomato beef sauce, lean ground beef pasta