High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

This high protein creamy beef pasta is a perfect quick weeknight dinner that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a hearty meal that satisfies both comfort and nutrition needs.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 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
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Add a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Greek yogurt.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it separately from the pasta. Combine and warm everything just before serving for best texture.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for cream in this recipe?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt adds creaminess while boosting the protein content and reducing fat compared to heavy cream. Just add it towards the end of cooking and keep the heat low to prevent curdling.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that combines tender penne pasta with a flavorful ground beef mixture enriched with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. With Italian seasoning and fresh herbs for garnish, this dish offers a perfect balance of creaminess and savory goodness in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the lean ground beef and cook it until it is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Simmer Sauce: To the cooked beef, add diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add Creamy Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy sauce while ensuring it doesn’t boil to avoid yogurt curdling.
5. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the drained penne pasta back into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a touch of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Do not boil the sauce after adding yogurt to prevent curdling; keep the heat low.
• Fresh basil or parsley enhances both the flavor and presentation, but can be omitted if unavailable.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: High Protein Pasta, Creamy Beef Pasta, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Ground Beef Recipes, Italian Seasoning, Greek Yogurt Sauce