High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Nothing lifts the mood on a busy evening quite like a steaming bowl of High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. This comforting dish is a savory symphony of lean ground beef and silky penne, brought together with a luscious sauce marrying Greek yogurt and Parmesan. Every spoonful bursts with hearty flavors, creamy tang, and a touch of herby brightness from fresh basil. Whether you’re looking to refuel after a workout or simply need a hug in a bowl, this recipe ticks all the boxes for quick, satisfying, and truly memorable weeknight dining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at just how simple these ingredients are, yet each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture for your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making this mouthwatering meal.

• Penne pasta: The short tubes perfectly soak up the velvety sauce and keep every bite hearty.
• Lean ground beef: The star protein boosts both satiety and flavor without extra grease.
• Onion: Chopped onion brings a mellow sweetness and depth to the base of your sauce.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lifts the dish with a pungent, inviting aroma.
• Diced tomatoes (with juices): Tomato adds tang, body, and juiciness to balance out the creamy elements.
• Low-sodium beef broth: A splash of broth helps create a savory, well-seasoned sauce.
• Plain Greek yogurt: For creaminess with a protein punch and a delightful tang – no heavy cream needed.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste so all the flavors shine through.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Garnish for a flash of color and fresh flavor on top.
• Olive oil: A dash for sautéing keeps the beef and aromatics perfectly tender.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain well and set aside, maybe drizzling with a touch of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Grab your largest skillet and warm up a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it sweat for a few minutes until it becomes soft and translucent – think golden, not browned! Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to coax out its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Crumble your lean ground beef into the skillet with the onion and garlic. As it cooks, break it up with your spoon or spatula until browned all over and no pink remains. This step gives the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta its hearty base, so don’t rush it – the beef should be succulent and well seasoned.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

To make that signature creamy sauce for your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, stir in the entire can of diced tomatoes (juices and all), plus the low-sodium beef broth. Let everything come together in a gentle simmer. Then, lower the heat and fold in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is creamy, unified, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Time to unite all the delicious elements! Add your cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in the savory, creamy beef sauce. Let it heat together for a minute or two so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is the moment to make it perfect.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish out generous helpings of High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta onto plates or into bowls. Top with torn fresh basil or chopped parsley for a blast of color and garden-fresh finish. Serve piping hot and watch those smiles appear at the table!

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over each serving and scatter fresh basil or parsley on top for a beautiful contrast of flavor and color. If you want an extra pop, a few grinds of black pepper or a drizzle of good quality olive oil never go amiss.

Side Dishes

Pair your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some simple sautéed green beans. For a true Italian-American feast, consider a warm breadstick or garlic toast on the side — perfect for mopping up the last traces of that dreamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancier touch, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with a Parmesan crisp or a nest of basil ribbons. If you’re hosting, try baking the finished pasta in ramekins for a few minutes to form a golden top, then present straight-from-the-oven for wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day lunches extra delicious.

Freezing

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, splash a bit of beef broth or water into the pasta to revive the creamy texture. Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Top with fresh herbs to bring back that just-cooked vibrancy.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic, feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even whole wheat or chickpea-based pasta to boost the protein even further.

What kind of ground beef is best?

Lean ground beef (such as 90% or 93% lean) works great because it keeps the dish light and high in protein without excess fat, but you can use whichever ground beef you prefer.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?

You can use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or even blended cashews for a creamy sauce if you need a lactose-free or vegan twist.

Can I make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat gently before serving. If making ahead, hold off on adding fresh herbs until just before eating for the brightest flavor.

How do I add more vegetables?

Stir in baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms during the beef-cooking step. They’ll add nutrition and color while soaking up all that beautiful sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that fits right into a balanced lifestyle, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is an absolute must-try. It’s so easy to pull together yet feels like a treat every single time. Give it a go soon—your taste buds (and your weeknight schedule) will totally thank you!

Print