High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delightful weeknight dish that manages to tick all the right boxes—quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week, and I was instantly impressed by how easy it was to whip up while still being hearty enough to please the whole family. If you’re juggling a hectic routine but still want to serve something delicious and nutritious, this creamy pasta will be your new go-to.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you consider making High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for your next family dinner? First off, it’s a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those weeknights when you want to spend minimal time in the kitchen yet serve something that tastes indulgent. Consider it a budget-friendly option, too, as it utilizes staple pantry ingredients and requires only a pound of lean ground beef, which you may already have on hand. Plus, with a comforting creamy sauce and a burst of flavors from garlic and tomatoes, it’s sure to delight even picky eaters.
"This dish has quickly become a favorite in our household! It’s creamy, flavorful, and I love that it’s high in protein. Perfect for those busy weeknights!"
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break down how easy it is to create this dish. You’ll first want to cook the pasta while you pan-fry the beef—a multitasking method that saves you time. After browning the beef and simmering a luscious sauce, you’ll incorporate Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. Finally, combine everything and serve it up!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
- 1 handful fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 8 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Feel free to substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or switch out the pasta shape based on what you have in your pantry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the can of tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to combine flavors.
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Add the Creamy Element: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning as needed. Allow it to heat through, becoming beautifully creamy.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated.
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Garnish & Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This creamy beef pasta is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, serve it with garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce—delicious!
How to Store & Freeze
To keep leftovers fresh, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain the creamy texture.
If you want to freeze your leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t rush the browning: Allowing the beef to brown properly enhances the flavor of your dish. Aim for a nice crust before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust creaminess: For extra creaminess, you can add more Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Season in layers: Add salt and pepper gradually at each step to ensure a well-seasoned final dish.
Creative Twists
Feel free to give this recipe your personal touch. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition, or switch up the cheese with cheddar or a dairy-free alternative. You could also attempt a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as lean substitutes. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw and reheat properly to maintain quality.
Get ready to impress your family with this comforting yet quick dish that’s high in protein and full of flavor! Happy cooking!
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14.5 oz can tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 8 oz penne pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the can of tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the Creamy Element: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning as needed. Allow it to heat through, becoming beautifully creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
