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Quick Ground Beef Pasta for a High-Protein Weeknight Dinner


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  • Author: Carter Lily

Description

This quick ground beef pasta is a comforting, creamy meal made with simple ingredients and ready for busy weeknights. Tender penne pasta is tossed with seasoned lean ground beef, garlic, onion, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a satisfying high-protein dinner that feels homemade without extra effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing


Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 7 minutes, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.

  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce.

  7. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Calories: ~620 kcal

  • Protein: ~38 g

  • Fat: ~34 g

 

  • Carbohydrates: ~42 g