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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta for Cozy Family Nights

A comforting, protein-packed dish that combines tender penne with lean ground beef in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Feel free to substitute with rigatoni or whole wheat pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Opt for 90/10 or 93/7.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Add more as needed for cooking.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Cook briefly to intensify flavor.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Chicken or vegetable broth can be used.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Dairy-free options work as well.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Full-fat versions melt best.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Optional for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef, cooking for 6–8 minutes until browned.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side, sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste with the beef, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine, and let simmer for about 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Reduce heat to low, then stir in Greek yogurt and shredded cheese until smoothly blended.
  7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly in the sauce.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve warm, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.

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