Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe – Easy High-Protein Dinner Idea

Name: Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe – Easy High-Protein Dinner Idea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1 cup spinach, chopped; Optional: Red pepper flakes

Posted on November 8, 2025

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I’ll be honest—this creamy beef pasta recipe was born out of one of those “what do I even make for dinner?” moments. You know the kind, right? When you’re staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration hits. Well, this one did, and it’s been a regular on our weeknight rotation ever since.

It’s rich, hearty, and packed with protein—literally the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, which is a miracle on those hectic evenings when you’re tempted to just call for takeout. Trust me, this recipe is worth it. Creamy, meaty, and comforting in all the right ways.

So, grab a fork and dive in—this one’s going to be your new favorite dinner. Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this creamy beef pasta that I don’t even know where to start. But let me try:

Ready in 30 minutes: Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this recipe comes together fast. Perfect for busy weeknights!
High in protein: Between the ground beef and the creamy sauce, this dish is packed with protein to keep you full and fueled.
Comfort food done right: Think of this as a grown-up version of your childhood favorite—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Budget-friendly: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry!

It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to whip up when you’re tired and hangry. Plus, leftovers? Even better.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the deal—this recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create magic. You probably have most of these in your pantry or fridge already:

For the Pasta:

Penne pasta (12 oz / 340g) — I love penne because the sauce clings to those little ridges perfectly. You could also use rotini or bowtie pasta.
Ground beef (1 lb / 450g) — Go for lean ground beef (80/20 works great), but you could also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

For the Sauce:

Heavy cream (1 cup / 240ml) — This is what makes the sauce creamy and indulgent. You can swap for half-and-half if you want it lighter.
Beef broth (1 cup / 240ml) — Adds depth and enhances that beefy flavor.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup / 50g, grated) — Freshly grated is best! It melts beautifully into the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) — Don’t skimp here; garlic makes everything better.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons) — A little goes a long way to add richness and balance the creaminess.
Salt and pepper — To taste. Always taste and adjust as you go!

Optional Mix-ins:

Spinach (1 cup, chopped) — Sneak in some greens for extra nutrients.
Red pepper flakes — For a little kick if you like your pasta spicy.

Quick tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe—it’s just as easy to make a big batch!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Here’s what I use:

Large pot — For cooking the pasta. Bonus points if you have one with a built-in strainer.
Skillet — A large one for cooking the beef and making the sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula — Perfect for stirring without scratching your pans.
Measuring cups and spoons — Precision matters when you’re making a sauce!

That’s it! Simple tools for a simple recipe.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Here’s exactly how I make creamy beef pasta, step by step:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the garlic: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Stir the tomato paste into the garlic and beef mixture. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Season and combine: Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Fold in the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!

That’s it—dinner is served!

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned from making this dish over and over again:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key! You want it to hold its shape and soak up the sauce without turning mushy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a richer flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding the pasta and tweak the salt, pepper, and garlic if needed.
Let the sauce simmer: Give it a few minutes to thicken and let the flavors meld together.
Double it for leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, so make extra for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Ways to Mix It Up

Want to customize your creamy beef pasta? Here are some ideas to try:

Mushroom magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
Cheese it up: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of both.
Go spicy: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Make it Italian: Toss in some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a Mediterranean flair.

The possibilities are endless. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving Ideas & Storage

Serving Suggestions:

For a cozy dinner: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
Family-style: Pile it onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves.
Lunch prep: Pack leftovers in a container for a filling, protein-packed midday meal.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Pro tip: If you’re reheating this in the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta from drying out.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Let’s talk nutrition. This creamy beef pasta is not just delicious—it’s a solid option for fueling up after a long day:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	~450
Protein	25g
Carbs	35g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g

The combination of beef and Parmesan gives this dish a great protein boost, while the pasta provides energy to keep you going. Plus, it’s a lot healthier than most takeout options!

Final Thoughts

And that’s it—my creamy beef pasta recipe! It’s quick, filling, and honestly, one of the most satisfying weeknight dinners you can make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe always hits the mark.

I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen like it has in mine. Don’t be afraid to tweak it—add your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or spice it up with different seasonings. Cooking is all about making food that works for you.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Or snap a pic and tag me on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations.

Happy cooking, my friend! Go make something delicious.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly milder, but the creamy sauce will still be amazing.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.

Q: My sauce turned out thin—what did I do wrong?

A: You might not have let it simmer long enough to thicken. Make sure to give it a good 3-5 minutes on medium heat. Also, check your measurements—too much broth or cream can make it watery.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Cook the pasta and the sauce separately, then combine and store in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: I recommend reheating on the stovetop with a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta from drying out.

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