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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 18 reviews

A quick and satisfying high-protein creamy beef pasta perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This dish combines lean ground beef with penne pasta in a flavorful sauce made creamy with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh garlic for a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne 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

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Be careful not to overheat to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
  5. Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and creamy tomato mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of fresh herb flavor and appealing color. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute the Parmesan cheese with reduced-fat cheese.
  • If Greek yogurt curdles, remove the skillet from heat before adding and stir gently.
  • Fresh herbs add freshness; alternatively, dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick dinner recipes, weeknight meals, healthy beef pasta, Greek yogurt pasta sauce