Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Combining lean ground beef and protein-rich Greek yogurt with tender penne pasta, it offers a creamy texture enhanced by Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish balances wholesome ingredients with delicious taste for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Beef Mixture
- 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
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld and the beef mixture becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and well mixed with the creamy beef mixture.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- For a creamier texture, ensure the Greek yogurt is added off the heat or on low to prevent curdling.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle if preferred.
- Adding a splash of red wine to the beef mixture while simmering can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: high protein beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick weeknight dinner, lean ground beef pasta, healthy beef pasta recipe, Greek yogurt pasta sauce
