High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta: A Quick and Nourishing Weeknight Dinner
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that won’t take up your entire evening? Look no further than High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta! This scrumptious dish combines tender pasta with flavorful ground beef and a creamy sauce that is both nourishing and easy to whip up. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, ready in around 30 minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items that you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for Families: Tasty enough to please adults and kids alike.
- High in Protein: Packed with lean beef and Greek yogurt, it’s a filling option.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Creaminess balanced with rich flavors make every bite satisfying.
This recipe stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it not just a meal, but a comforting experience for your palate.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Beef and Sauce
- 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 (for a creamy texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, making sure to drain any excess fat.
- Mix in the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (including juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes—this will help meld the flavors.
- Combine With Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy beef pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Serving and Storage Tips
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is best served warm. For a nice touch, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Conclusion
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delightful, quick meal that is both nutritious and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating. Don’t forget to share your results on social media! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option while still keeping the protein content high.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked pasta with the sauce. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat!
Print
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A quick and nourishing weeknight dinner combining tender pasta with flavorful ground beef and a creamy sauce.
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
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil water and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, making sure to drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (including juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Dish out the creamy beef pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
This dish is best served warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg