Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy high protein beef pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef with a cheesy, flavorful sauce, it’s both hearty and easy to prepare. Plus, you can boost the protein with your choice of pasta and dairy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and stir gently until creamy. Avoid boiling.
7. Step 7: In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to skillet.
8. Step 8: Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein.
• Replace Greek yogurt with full-fat cottage cheese for a different creamy texture.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can substitute parsley for varied flavor.
• Drain any excess fat from the beef thoroughly to keep the dish lighter.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish does not freeze well because of the dairy ingredients.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese?

The dairy adds creaminess and protein to the sauce, but if you prefer, you can omit it or replace with a splash of cream or milk. Just note the texture and flavor will be less rich.

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish combining lean ground beef, rich cheeses, and tender pasta, all tossed in a flavorful, creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it offers a balance of protein and indulgent taste with classic Italian-inspired seasonings.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)

Seasonings and Sauces

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

Dairy and Cheese

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnish

• 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
4. Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Simmer Beef Broth: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Dairy: Reduce heat to low. Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and stir gently until creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
7. Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to skillet with beef mixture.
8. Melt Cheeses: Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute Greek yogurt with cottage cheese for a different creamy texture.
• Choose high-protein pasta for an extra protein boost.
• Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish leaner.
• Do not boil after adding yogurt or cottage cheese to avoid curdling the sauce.
• Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and color.

Keywords: Creamy beef pasta, high protein pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, Greek yogurt pasta sauce, easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta recipe