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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/creamy-high-protein-beef-pasta-recipe/