Description
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a satisfying, protein-packed meal featuring lean beef, creamy Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is coated in a rich, tangy sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the creamy beef pasta between plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add veggies: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta to reduce the carbs and make the dish even lighter.
- Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier version of the dish.
- Cheese variations: Swap the Parmesan for Romano, mozzarella, or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Ground turkey or chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
