Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta (Printable Version)
Rich, satisfying pasta with tender beef and creamy protein sauce for a hearty nutritious meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 - 7 oz low-fat cottage cheese
03 - 3.5 oz Greek yogurt (2% or higher fat content)
04 - 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder
→ Pasta
05 - 10.5 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta
→ Vegetables
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 5 oz baby spinach leaves
→ Sauce & Seasonings
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
→ Garnish
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency later.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef strips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well-browned on all sides. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving juices in the skillet.
03 - Add chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Stir in cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. If using protein powder, whisk in gradually until fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
05 - Add baby spinach leaves to the sauce mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until spinach is completely wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
06 - Return cooked beef and accumulated juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together until well-coated with sauce. If mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Sprinkle with Italian herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get 48 grams of protein per serving without any chalky protein shakes or plain chicken breast
- The creamy sauce feels indulgent but uses cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
02 -
- Reserving pasta water is crucial because it helps bind the sauce and cling to every strand of pasta
- The cottage cheese must be whisked thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the final sauce
03 -
- Season the beef right before cooking, not ahead, to prevent the salt from drawing out moisture
- Let the sauce come to room temperature slightly before stirring in Greek yogurt to prevent any separation