Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy high protein beef pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Packed with lean ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s perfect for a hearty dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 225g penne pasta
• 450g lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
8. Step 8: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt for a milder flavor and extra creaminess.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a lighter, stringier cheese texture.
• Incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 511 reviews

This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta combines tender penne pasta with lean ground beef cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, then finished with creamy Greek yogurt and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious and nutritious meal packed with protein.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 225g penne pasta

Beef Sauce

• 450g lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Additions

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Sauté aromatics: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the beef and aromatics, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
5. Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Create creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy beef sauce.
8. Season and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt with low-fat cottage cheese or reduce the cheese quantity.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe for dietary preferences.
• Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• This recipe is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

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