If you’re craving a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing, look no further than this Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, lean ground beef with a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to protein-packed pasta, delivering a hearty meal that fuels your body without skimping on flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a comforting dinner that hits the right macros, this recipe is absolutely your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of a round skillet with a white handle, placed on a white marbled surface. In the first view, the skillet contains a bed of finely chopped yellow and green vegetables at the bottom, with raw pink ground meat neatly layered on top, covering most of the vegetables but leaving some visible around the edges. In the second view, the ingredients have been cooked and mixed, turning the meat a light brown color while the vegetables remain visible. Seasonings such as white granules, dark brown powder, leaning towards beige flakes, and a small pile of light yellow minced garlic sit on the surface in the center, unmixed. The skillet’s interior shows a textured cooked mixture with no raw parts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition in this recipe relies on a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the high-protein chickpea flour pasta adding body and substance, to the fresh basil giving a bright finish. Here’s everything you’ll need lined up for a flavorful and creamy beef pasta experience.

10 oz chickpea flour pasta: Packed with protein and fiber, this pasta keeps the dish hearty and nutritious.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness while helping to soften the veggies.
1 medium onion, finely diced: A foundational aromatic that brings sweetness and depth.
1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast and lovely color.
1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein providing delicious texture and umami flavor.
4 garlic cloves, crushed: Infuses the dish with vibrant, fragrant warmth.
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note to elevate the sauce.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and bright red hue.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick to balance the creaminess.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens the sauce.
1 cup tomato sauce (passata): Keeps the sauce saucy and fresh with its sweet acidity.
½ cup light cream cheese: Delivers the signature creamy texture without too much fat.
½ cup light sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that complements the beef beautifully.
6-8 fresh basil leaves: A final fresh, fragrant herbaceous touch to lift the whole dish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chickpea flour pasta according to the package instructions. This type of pasta is slightly different in texture but so worth it for the protein boost. Once cooked, be sure to reserve a cup or two of the pasta water before draining—it will come in handy later for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook them gently for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant, which creates a flavorful foundation for your creamy beef sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Add Spices

Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned nicely. In goes the crushed garlic along with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and let all those spices sing together for another minute, building that rich, savory depth.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce, then reduce the heat and let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This step blends all the ingredients so the sauce thickens just the right amount while embracing those bold, tangy tomato notes.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magic—add the light cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Heat it just enough to warm through but keep that beautiful creaminess intact, making this dish so comforting and luscious.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish with Basil

Finally, add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss it thoroughly so every strand is enveloped in the rich beefy cream sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top for that fresh herbal punch before serving hot.

How to Serve Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

A light pink pan holds two main layers of food. The bottom layer is a thick, creamy orange-red sauce that fills the base of the pan and has a slightly chunky texture. On top of this sauce is a single layer of plain cooked penne pasta, pale yellow in color, scattered evenly across the sauce. The pan sits on a black stovetop, but the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your dish feel restaurant-worthy, try topping it with some extra fresh basil or even a tiny sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you don’t mind adding a little more indulgence. Chopped parsley or a dash of chili flakes can also be fantastic for an extra flavor boost and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This creamy beef pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or garlic broccoli work beautifully to add texture and nutrition, keeping the meal balanced but exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe in beautiful shallow bowls, making sure the sauce pools invitingly. You could also plate it in mason jars for an on-the-go meal prep option or garnish with edible flowers for an elegant dinner party touch that will impress everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably better than the first serving. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep the creaminess intact.

Freezing

This creamy beef pasta freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the texture and cream sauce smooth.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as gentle stovetop reheating preserves the creamy texture and fresh flavors best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chickpea flour pasta boosts the protein content, you can swap it out for any high-protein pasta or your favorite whole grain pasta to keep it nutritious and delicious.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, and reheats beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy a quick, fulfilling meal.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives along with your favorite meat substitute to maintain the creamy, hearty feel.

What can I add to increase the fiber content?

The chickpea pasta already provides a good amount of fiber, but tossing in some sautéed spinach or kale can boost fiber and add a vibrant green color to the dish.

How can I adjust the creaminess without adding too much fat?

Using light cream cheese and sour cream keeps this dish creamy yet lower in fat, but you could also try blending silken tofu into the sauce as a silky, protein-rich alternative that won’t weigh the dish down.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe as I was to share it. It really hits that perfect combination of comfort food and a nutritious power meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight dinner or meal prep champion. Happy cooking!