High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for those seeking a hearty yet healthy dinner. Combining lean ground beef with penne pasta and a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and Parmesan, this recipe offers a balanced mix of protein and comfort. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs, it’s an easy one-pot dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Pasta
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta. Remove the skillet from heat before adding the Greek yogurt to prevent curdling. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your high protein creamy beef pasta.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to keep the dish lower in fat.
- To prevent the Greek yogurt from curdling, ensure you remove the skillet from heat before adding it and stir gently.
- You can substitute penne with any other short pasta of your choice, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- Adding fresh spinach or mushrooms can increase the vegetable content and add extra nutrients.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, healthy beef pasta recipe, high protein dinner, lean ground beef pasta