Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a perfect quick weeknight dinner that combines tender penne pasta with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce enriched by creamy Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Packed with protein and flavorful Italian seasoning, this dish is comforting and nutritious, ready in just 35 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
- 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, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and protein-packed dinner.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the Greek yogurt with low-fat or non-fat yogurt.
- Use whole wheat penne pasta to increase fiber content.
- Customize the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
