If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines hearty flavor with nourishing ingredients, you’re going to love this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. It’s the perfect go-to meal that feels indulgent yet fuels your body with a great balance of protein and comforting creaminess. This pasta is packed with lean ground beef, a creamy blend of Greek yogurt and Parmesan, and bright, fresh herbs—all coming together in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of tender penne. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving something satisfying and wholesome, this recipe has you covered.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making this dish both accessible and amazing. Each element plays an important role in building layers of flavor, richness, and texture that make the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta so irresistible.

8 oz penne pasta: Choose penne for its perfect shape that holds sauce beautifully.
1 lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein without excess fat for a lighter feel.
1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéd.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers that signature aromatic kick essential in any Italian-inspired dish.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides tangy freshness and a little texture to the sauce.
1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Boosts savory umami and enriches the sauce base.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: A creamy, protein-rich alternative to heavy cream that adds tang and silkiness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the pasta.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
Olive oil (for cooking): The perfect cooking fat that gently softens aromatics and prevents sticking.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, just tender with a slight bite. This ensures your pasta holds up nicely when tossed in the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening later on.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This base layer is where a lot of the flavor magic begins. The sweetness of the onions combined with the pungent garlic sets a rich foundation for the beef mixture.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Let it cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to get even cooking. Browning adds depth and a robust meaty flavor that’s crucial for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

To the browned beef, stir in your canned diced tomatoes with juices and the beef broth. Let this mixture simmer gently to meld the flavors. Then reduce the heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to your preference. Keep the sauce on low heat so it thickens slightly without curdling the yogurt.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked penne pasta right into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated with that silky, flavorful sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. This step brings all the components to perfect harmony in every forkful.

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a fresh garnish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, herbal contrast to the creamy, savory sauce, making the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. Plus, it introduces a lovely burst of color, making your plate look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal. Think simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted broccoli lightly seasoned with garlic and chili flakes. These sides add freshness and a variety of textures that complement the creamy beef pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls to showcase the luxurious sauce. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and give a quick broil for a bubbly, golden finish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the sauce well overnight, making reheated portions even more flavorful. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often. If it seems dry, add a splash of beef broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat as it can cause the dairy to separate. Microwaving in short intervals with stirring also works well for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can use other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep cooking times in mind to maintain the perfect al dente texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy and cheesy effect without the dairy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If Italian seasoning isn’t on hand, a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary will work beautifully. Fresh herbs can also be a great addition if available.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the beef cooking stage can boost the nutrition and flavor, transforming this into a more veggie-packed meal.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

This recipe is naturally mild, but if you want to ensure no heat, use mild Italian seasoning and skip any added chili flakes or pepper-heavy seasonings. Adjust seasoning to your taste at the end for the perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a pasta dish that’s both creamy and packed with protein, and this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta delivers just that in spectacular fashion. It’s a delicious meal you can feel good about sharing with family or enjoyed solo after a busy day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and high-protein creamy beef pasta recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This hearty dish combines lean ground beef with tender penne pasta, enriched with a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, flavored with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs for a comforting and nutritious meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the lean ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy and high in protein.
Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred, but Greek yogurt adds extra protein and creaminess with less fat.
Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Add extra vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients.
Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of the beef broth used.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American