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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the 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
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: high protein beef pasta, creamy beef pasta recipe, quick beef pasta dinner, weeknight pasta recipes, healthy beef pasta
