Why Make This Recipe
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. It’s delicious, filling, and provides a good amount of protein. The creamy sauce is made healthier with Greek yogurt, making this dish not only tasty but also a better choice for your diet. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, which is a major win for busy weeknights.
How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
- 1 handful fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Canned Goods:
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 8 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
- Pantry Items and Spices:
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling water in a pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, add the can of tomatoes (with juices) and the beef broth. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Element
Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Serve hot, and top with fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Serve this delicious creamy beef pasta on individual plates or in a large bowl. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste; add more Italian seasoning for a stronger flavor.
Variation
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you want it vegetarian, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy beef pasta. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just make it in advance and portion it out for the week.
3. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta can be used instead of regular pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by boiling water in a pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the can of tomatoes (with juices) and the beef broth. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Serve hot, and top with fresh basil or parsley for garnish.