High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare. Featuring lean ground beef, creamy Greek yogurt, and hearty penne pasta, this dish balances rich flavors with protein-packed ingredients for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy evenings, it combines savory beef, aromatic Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs to create a wholesome and flavorful pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve: Dish the creamy beef pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using plain Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps the dish creamy but lower in fat and adds extra protein.
- Drain pasta well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to restore creaminess.
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta, healthy creamy pasta
