Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. It combines lean ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh garlic. This flavorful and hearty meal comes together in one skillet, making it both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and low-sodium beef broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then add the plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy sauce and allow it to heat through gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the creamy beef pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat.
- If Greek yogurt is not available, substitute with sour cream, but Greek yogurt adds more protein and creaminess.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding Greek yogurt to prevent it from curdling; gentle simmering is sufficient.
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or spinach while cooking the onions.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for meal prep or larger families.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, quick weeknight dinner, easy skillet pasta, healthy beef pasta
