Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients
Beef & Seasoning
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef (93–96% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp onion powder
High-Protein Creamy Base
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth (add more if needed for creaminess)
Pasta
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (Barilla Protein+, Banza, Chickapea, or Fiber Gourmet)
Cheese Topping
- ¾ cup reduced-fat mozzarella
- 2 tbsp parmesan
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta
Boil the high-protein pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water for extra creaminess if desired. -
Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned (about 5–6 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Drain any excess fat if needed. -
Make it creamy + high-protein
Turn the heat to low and stir in:- Blended cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
-
Broth
Stir until everything is melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if you prefer a silkier sauce.
-
Combine
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. -
Add cheese topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the skillet.
Cover with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes to melt, or broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
Additional Notes
- Spinach & Mushrooms: Add spinach and mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Add more broth or pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Extra Cheesy: Feel free to add extra cheese to the sauce or on top.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creaminess.
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based protein or tofu instead of ground beef.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives.
