Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in its spirals, this recipe works well with penne, farfalle (bow tie), or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook whatever pasta you choose to al dente before adding it to the sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce won't be quite as rich). You could also use part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar for less fat, and lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce won't be quite as rich). You could also use part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar for less fat, and lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the meat sauce up to the point before adding cream and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and finish with the cream and cheese just before serving.

My sauce seems too runny. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than you'd like, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it quickly.

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Description

These No-Bake Energy Bites are the perfect, quick and easy snack to power you through your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, flax seeds, and a hint of sweetness from honey and chocolate chips, they come together effortlessly without the need for baking. Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or even as a healthy dessert, these energy bites are deliciously chewy, protein-packed, and freezer-friendly!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/3 cup shredded coconut
1 cup flax seed meal
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup honey (alternatives: maple syrup or agave syrup)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, shredded coconut, flax seed meal, chia seeds, and mini chocolate chips. Stir gently until evenly distributed. Next, add the creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the texture becomes uniform.
Chill the Mixture
Transfer the mixed ingredients to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and less sticky for rolling into balls.
Shape into Bites
After chilling, use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size) to portion out the chilled mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, bite-sized balls. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Store the Bites
Place the bites in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Notes

For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter (if suitable for your diet).
If your mixture feels too dry and doesn’t easily hold together when rolling, add an additional tablespoon of honey or peanut butter to bind it better.
These bites make an excellent pre-workout or on-the-go snack due to their balanced mix of protein, fiber, and natural sugars.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bites
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 45
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg