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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty and satisfying Italian-inspired dish combining lean ground beef, penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious dinner that’s packed with protein and flavor, it’s simple to prepare and can be easily customized with vegetables for added nutrition.

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 & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Return to low heat briefly to warm through, but do not boil to prevent curdling.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can add vegetables like fresh spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • For added fiber, substitute regular penne pasta with whole wheat pasta.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the beef broth slightly before adding the yogurt and cheese.
  • Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the dish lighter than using heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, healthy Italian pasta, Greek yogurt pasta sauce, lean ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/high-protein-creamy-beef-pasta-recipe/