Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect quick and nutritious weeknight dinner. Packed with protein from lean beef and Greek yogurt, this creamy dish is both indulgent and satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a deliciously rich meal that’s customizable with your favorite pasta or vegetables.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground lean beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb twist.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Substitute Proteins: You can replace lean beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or dairy-free heavy cream and skip the cheese. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor if desired.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before adding the pasta.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta, High-Protein Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
