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High-protein creamy beef pasta with chickpea pasta and lean ground beef in large skillet

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Rich, hearty pasta dish with creamy textures, bold spices, and a protein-packed punch using chickpea pasta and lean ground beef
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz chickpea or high-protein pasta 300g
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 93% lean, 450g
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or passata 250g
  • 1/2 cup light cream cheese 125g
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream 125g
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves torn

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in heavily salted water according to package directions, but undercook by 1 minute since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they smell sweet and look translucent. Don't let them brown.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in crushed garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for exactly 1 minute until fragrant—any longer and the garlic will burn.
  5. Mix in tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute to caramelize it slightly. Pour in tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
  6. Reduce heat to LOW—this is crucial to prevent curdling. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece. Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (93%) to balance protein and fat. Always reduce heat to LOW before adding dairy to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water as sauce insurance for perfect consistency.