High-Protein Creamy Beef and Shells

This high-protein twist on my viral Creamy Beef & Shells swaps out the heavy cream for blended cottage cheese and features high-protein Banza pasta, keeping it just as rich and creamy while packing in even more protein!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Banza shells

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil 

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp Calabrian chilies (or red pepper flakes), to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 lb grass-fed ground beef

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (to taste)

• 1.5 - 2 cups cottage cheese (depending on desired creaminess)

• 3 - 4 tbsp milk

• Up to 1 cup beef broth (depending on desired thickness)

• 4 oz freshly shredded cheddar cheese 

• Fresh chives, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb Banza shells according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a blender or food processor, blend 1.5 - 2 cups cottage cheese with 3-4 tbsp milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Calabrian chilies, and smoked paprika. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.

4. Push the onions to the sides, creating a center in the pan. If needed, add a small drizzle of oil. Add the ground beef and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a crust. Season with salt and pepper, then flip and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink.

5. Make another center in the pan and add 2-3 tbsp tomato paste. Let it cook for a couple of minutes before stirring everything together.

6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Reduce heat to low. Pour in the blended cottage cheese and ½ to 1 cup beef broth, starting with ½ cup, to thin out the sauce as needed. Simmer for a 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.

9. Stir in 4 oz freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

10. Garnish with fresh chives and extra cheese. Enjoy!

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes