Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies your cravings *and* your macros? This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta delivers big on both flavor and fuel. It’s packed with lean ground beef, tossed with al dente pasta, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy, high-protein sauce—all in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those easy dinner ideas that works for meal prep, family meals, or a satisfying solo night in. Whether you’re after healthy pasta recipes, easy high-protein meals, or simply new dinner ideas, this one earns a spot on your go-to list.
Ingredients
225g penne pasta
450g lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Lower the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
8. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and to avoid curdling.
Stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
For extra richness, top with more shredded cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, easy dinner recipe, quick pasta meal, healthy comfort food