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.
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
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
