🍝 High-Protein Beef & Shell Pasta (Family-Style)

Serves: 4–6
Protein: ~40–45g per serving (depending on portions)

🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz high-protein pasta shells (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat)
• 1½ lb lean ground beef (90–93%)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (24 oz) jar high-protein marinara or no-sugar-added marinara
• ½ cup beef broth (or pasta water)
• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth) or ricotta
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional add-ins:
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (extra protein & creaminess)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook pasta shells until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the Beef
   • Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Build the Flavor
   • Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
   • Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
   • Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sauce It Up
   • Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth (or pasta water).
   • Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Boost the Protein & Creaminess
   • Stir in blended cottage cheese (or ricotta) and Parmesan.
   • Add spinach if using and let it wilt.
6. Combine & Serve
   • Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
   • Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.