Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, filling dinner that packs a protein punch, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender beef, and a hearty dose of protein, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want something easy, delicious, and satisfying. Ready to dig into creamy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Super creamy and flavorful, without being heavy or greasy.
- Packed with high-quality beef and Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Quick to make—on the table in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
- Kid-friendly, but sophisticated enough to impress guests.
Ingredients For High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- 8 oz (225g) high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup (140g) frozen green peas
- 3/4 cup (170g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher for best texture)
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions (usually 7-10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add lean ground beef to the skillet, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add frozen peas to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Finish
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese until melted and a luscious, creamy sauce forms.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the creamy beef pasta, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips
- Be sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat without compromising flavor. Learn more about choosing lean beef.
- High-protein pastas can be found at most major supermarkets or online—try chickpea or lentil pasta for extra fiber and protein.
- If you don’t have Greek yogurt, substitute with low-fat cream cheese or light sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and sauté with the garlic for gentle heat.
- Loaded Veggie: Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when browning the beef for extra nutrients.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar alongside parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Required Equipment for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
- Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, though sauce texture may slightly change after thawing.
Serving Recommendations for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or whole grain rolls for extra comfort.
- Enjoy alongside a glass of light red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Always reserve some pasta water—its starch helps bind the sauce for that restaurant-quality silkiness.
- Greek yogurt should be stirred in off-heat to prevent it from curdling and to keep the sauce creamy. Learn more techniques about cooking perfect pasta.
- For the most flavor, season your beef generously and taste your sauce before serving for any final adjustments. Read more about seasoning techniques here.
FAQ: High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Can I use another type of protein besides beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat crumbles work great in this recipe.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, it reheats well and keeps in the fridge for several days. Just add a little broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
- What’s the best pasta shape to use?
- Rotini, penne, shells, or even spaghetti work well—just choose your favorite!
Quick Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
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4Reduce heat to low. Stir in cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and grated Parmesan. Mix until a creamy sauce forms and is heated through.
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5Add cooked pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss together until spinach is wilted and everything is well coated.
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6Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
450cal
Protein:
41 gg
Fat:
13 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
45 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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