This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a nutritious, protein-packed twist on a classic comfort dish. Made with lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese, it delivers rich, creamy flavors without the excess fat. A satisfying and balanced meal, perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein – Lean beef and Greek yogurt provide muscle-building nutrients.
Creamy without heavy cream – Greek yogurt adds a rich texture while keeping it light.
Easy & quick – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Nutritious & filling – A balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
Family-friendly – A delicious and satisfying pasta dish for all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Cook for 7-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Reduce heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick.
Vegetable Boost – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Dairy-Free Option – Replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened cashew cream.
Low-Carb Swap – Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta instead of penne.
Extra Protein – Add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chicken breast.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for heavy cream?

Yes! It provides creaminess with less fat and adds probiotics for gut health.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta or a grain-free alternative like chickpea or lentil pasta.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce separately and mix with fresh pasta when ready to eat.

5. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce.

6. How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

Add the yogurt over low heat and stir continuously to keep it smooth.

7. Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely! Sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella before serving.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

9. Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well and makes a great high-protein lunch option.

10. Can I make this without tomatoes?

Yes! Substitute with ½ cup of blended roasted red peppers for a different twist.

Conclusion

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious, wholesome meal that combines rich, comforting flavors with a nutritious balance of protein and fiber. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, it delivers all the creaminess you crave—without the guilt. Try it tonight for a satisfying and healthy pasta dish!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

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Author: asma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s packed with lean protein, Greek yogurt, and whole ingredients. Enjoy a rich and creamy pasta dish without the guilt perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that fuels your body!

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef & Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

4. Make It Creamy & Serve

Reduce heat to low, then stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra protein, use chickpea or whole wheat pasta.
Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, High-Protein
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired