There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s a busy weeknight, and you want something hearty yet easy to pull together. This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta has become a go-to in my kitchen—a delightful blend of lean ground beef, penne pasta, and a rich sauce that’s as satisfying as it is quick to make. It’s like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and I promise, your family will keep asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Let’s be honest; with life’s never-ending to-do list, we sometimes need a meal that’s not just delicious but downright effortless. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s high in protein, budget-friendly, and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling soccer practices, homework, and everything in between.
“This creamy beef pasta was a hit with the kids! I loved how quickly it came together, and the leftovers were just as good the next day!”— A happy home cook
Preparing High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
So, how does this all come together? It’s a straightforward process that begins with cooking your penne pasta and ends with a luxuriously creamy sauce that envelopes each piece. You’ll be sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their aromas, browning the beef until it’s perfectly cooked, and then mixing everything to create a dish that not only fills bellies but warms hearts.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple ingredient list to get you started:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 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
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
If you’re missing any ingredients, don’t hesitate to think creatively. For instance, swap the penne for rotini or the ground beef for turkey—it’ll all work beautifully!
Directions to Follow
Ready to cook? Let’s dive into the steps:
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Next, crumble in the lean ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain!) and pour in the beef broth. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Let this simmer for a few minutes, allowing all those ingredients to meld into a creamy sauce.
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, stirring gently until every piece is coated in that luscious beef mixture.
Plate your creamy beef pasta and finish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it with a light salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the creaminess or pair it with some crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick!
How To Store & Freeze
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence in our house), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This creamy beef pasta will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you go to reheat it, you might want to add a splash of milk or broth to help bring back that creamy texture!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t rush the browning: Let that ground beef get a nice sear for maximum flavor.
- Season as you go: A little bit of salt and pepper at each step helps build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
- Greek yogurt swaps: If you’re feeling indulgent, you could swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream. You’ll get that same creaminess but with a slightly different tang!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding in some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. You could also play around with different cheeses—throw in some mozzarella or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
You can have this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any shape of pasta works well here. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute it with sour cream or ricotta cheese. Each will lend a different taste, but they’ll all still be delicious!
This creamy beef pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a family favorite in the making, one bite at a time. Dive in and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your dinner table.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and pour in the beef broth. Mix in the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Let this simmer for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld into a creamy sauce.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, stirring gently until every piece is coated in the beef mixture.
- Plate your creamy beef pasta and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.