High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Name: High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz); 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 8 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; A handful of fresh basil or parsley for garnish

By:

Emily

November 4, 2025

High protein creamy beef pasta dish garnished with herbs

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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

The kitchen often becomes a stage for quiet moments and spontaneous adventures. Some of the best recipes arise from a longing for comfort, blended with the rush of a bustling weeknight. As the aroma of savory beef tingles your senses, you can’t help but feel at home. This high protein creamy beef pasta recipe epitomizes that very feeling, blending rich flavors with easy steps to create a satisfying meal in no time.

Pasta has a remarkable ability to bring people together. When you think of creamy beef pasta, the vision of family gathered around the dinner table comes to life. Each bite brings joy, and every forkful feels like a warm hug. Packed with protein, this dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but a nourishing option for dinner, perfect for busy nights.

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Creating a high protein creamy beef pasta dinner takes little effort while delivering big flavors. Ground beef forms the delicious foundation of this dish, harmonizing with tender pasta and a rich, creamy sauce. Spending less time in the kitchen means more moments enjoying the meal with loved ones, leaving room for laughter and stories.

Whether you’re whipping it up on a Wednesday or a Sunday, this recipe promise satisfaction every time. Let’s dive into the essentials of this high protein creamy beef pasta that will quickly become a weeknight staple.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Fundamentals

When cooking high protein creamy beef pasta, start with essential ingredients that come together seamlessly. Lean ground beef forms the core protein source, while diced onion and minced garlic add necessary depth and flavor. The canned tomatoes provide a zesty base, perfect for the creamy sauce to envelop the pasta.

Pasta plays a vital role in this dish. Opt for short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli; their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Additionally, having a well-stocked pantry helps tremendously, allowing for easy meal prep with ingredients like olive oil, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.

Preparation/setup

Before diving in, gather all your ingredients so that every step flows smoothly. Begin by measuring out one pound of lean ground beef, one medium onion diced, and a couple of cloves of garlic minced. The richness of the beef partnered with the sweetness of the onion heightens the dish’s flavors.

Don’t forget the canned tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and fresh herbs for garnish. Italian seasoning melds all the flavors, adding a distinct Italian flair. As you prepare, keep salt and pepper ready for seasoning. Having these essentials organized paves the way for a straightforward cooking experience that welcomes even novice chefs.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
8 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
A handful of fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

Begin by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Next, brown the beef. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it thoroughly until browned.
Simmer the sauce by adding the can of tomatoes with juices and one cup of low-sodium beef broth to the skillet. Stir in one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add the creamy element by stirring in ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine the pasta with the sauce. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy beef sauce.
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To finish, garnish with a handful of fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your high protein creamy beef pasta right away, or store it for later.

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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

High Protein Beef Pasta Variation

Technique

Creating high protein creamy beef pasta shouldn’t feel daunting. The technique lies in layering flavors as you cook. Start with the aromatics—sautéing onions and garlic thoroughly infuses the beef with depth. Ensure you fully brown the ground beef to achieve that rich, savory flavor.

When adding the canned tomatoes and beef broth, scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. These will enrich your sauce, making it more flavorful. Stir everything well and let it simmer for the ideal combination of taste and texture.

Tips/tricks

For a little extra zing, consider incorporating red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. This addition provides a pleasant warmth that complements the dish perfectly. Feel free to explore different herbs, like oregano or thyme, to tweak the flavor profile to your liking.

Using low-sodium ingredients allows you to control the dish’s saltiness. Adjust seasoning as needed, tasting frequently to ensure the perfect balance. If you’re aiming for a heartier meal, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, which blend effortlessly with the beef sauce and pasta.

Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

Getting your creamy beef pasta just right comes down to timing and mixing. Ensure your pasta remains al dente; overcooked pasta can become mushy in the sauce. When simmering the sauce, keep an eye on its consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth to achieve your desired creaminess.

Combining the Greek yogurt and parmesan at the end enhances the richness without making the dish too heavy. This technique keeps the sauce creamy and helps maintain the dish’s overall balance of flavors and textures.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find your sauce too acidic, a dash of sugar can help balance the flavors. Keep a taste tester handy throughout the cooking process, allowing you to adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t hesitate to experiment: swap out the ground beef for other meats, or make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms.

Each variation can lead to a delightful, new experience without straying too far from the core recipe. With effective troubleshooting, you ensure the dish will impress every time.

Serving Creamy Beef Pasta

Serving/presentation

Serving is where creativity shines. Ladle the high protein creamy beef pasta into shallow bowls or plates, making sure to showcase the rich textures and colors. The finishing touch of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and freshness, transforming an everyday dinner into something special.

Often, the appearance plays a role in taste. Garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley not only enhances the look but also infuses an aromatic layer to each bite.

Pairings/storage

Pair this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for balance. A light green salad dressed simply offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating slowly over low heat prevents the pasta from becoming gummy. Enjoying the delicious, comforting high protein creamy beef pasta the next day can feel like a treat!

Creating high protein creamy beef pasta for quick weeknight dinners is an experience brimming with flavor and joy. Each step leads to a meal that nourishes both the body and the soul. Enjoy this comforting recipe, and embrace the memories made around the dinner table.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Author: emily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

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Description

A comforting and nourishing high protein creamy beef pasta recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
8 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
A handful of fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook thoroughly until browned.
Stir in the canned tomatoes with juices and beef broth, and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes.
Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing until fully coated with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.