High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a perfect quick weeknight dinner, combining lean ground beef with a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with Greek yogurt and parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful dish features tender penne pasta tossed in a savory sauce, garnished with fresh herbs for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 handful fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Canned Goods
- 1 can tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Pasta
- 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
Dairy
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes to develop flavors and reduce the sauce slightly.
- Add the Creamy Element: Turn off the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Heat on low for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through and creamy.
- Garnish & Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream.
- Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and add a nice visual finish.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick weeknight dinner, Greek yogurt pasta sauce, easy beef pasta recipe, healthy beef pasta