High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty and nutritious dish featuring lean ground beef, protein-rich Greek yogurt, and penne pasta all combined in a flavorful, creamy tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that balances comfort and health.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Creamy Sauce & Garnish
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be mixed later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for several minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the beef and creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat while maintaining protein content.
- The Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the fat of heavy cream, making the pasta healthier.
- Ensure to simmer gently after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, healthy beef pasta, Greek yogurt pasta, easy weeknight dinner, penne pasta recipe