Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the protein pasta according to the package directions. Just before draining the noodles, scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and reserve it for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta boils, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced yellow onion for about 3 minutes until translucent, then drop in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until highly fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it is nicely browned all the way through. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Toast the Spices

Stir the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef. Let the mixture cook together for about one minute to toast the spices and bring out their essential oils and flavors.

Step 5: Blend the Creamy Sauce

Grab a blender or a food processor and add the cottage cheese, beef broth, and marinara sauce. Blend on high until the mixture transforms into a completely smooth, velvety liquid.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Lower the stovetop heat to medium-low. Pour the blended creamy cottage cheese mixture directly into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken up.

Step 7: Toss the Pasta

Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, top with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve immediately while hot.