Description
A rich, creamy pasta dish made with lean ground beef, protein-packed pasta, and a smooth cottage cheese sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a high-protein dinner, this pasta is flavorful, satisfying, and creamy without using tomato sauce.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):
For the Pasta and Beef:
12 oz high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
Step 3: Make Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the sauce to the skillet with cooked beef. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes until heated and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly in the creamy beef sauce. Heat 1–2 minutes more until everything is warm.
Step 5: Serve
Plate pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days for meal prep.
- Lower Calories: Use leaner ground beef and unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or a scoop of protein powder to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop / Sauté & Simmer
- Cuisine: American / Healthy Comfort Food