Introduction
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground beef, penne pasta, and a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce enriched with Greek yogurt, it delivers over 35 grams of protein per serving. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s hearty, nourishing, and easy to meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or rotini/rigatoni)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
➜ Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
➜ Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add beef, breaking it apart. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
➜ Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
➜ Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
➜ Step 5: Make It Creamy
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until creamy.
➜ Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add pasta to skillet, toss well to coat. Warm gently for 1–2 minutes.
➜ Step 7: Serve
Plate and garnish with parsley or basil. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips
How do I prevent curdling?
Always remove the skillet from heat before adding Greek yogurt.
Can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Can I swap the protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils make great substitutions.
Nutrition Summary
A creamy, high-protein pasta dish perfect for quick dinners.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | ~480 kcal* | ~35 g | ~45 g | ~16 g | ~4 g | ~6 g |
*Estimated values.
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated.
