Name: High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that packs a serious punch of both flavor and nutrition, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is destined to hit your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s rich, satisfying, and indulgently creamy, yet surprisingly light thanks to the clever use of Greek yogurt. Packed with lean ground beef and a melty Parmesan finish, each bite is a beautifully balanced delight. Whether you’re refueling after a workout or gathering around the table with family, this dish delivers hearty comfort and a whopping dose of protein—making it a total win.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how the simplest ingredients combine to create magic. Each component plays a starring role—enhancing the flavor, texture, and even the color—making this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta both delicious and visually tempting.

8 oz penne pasta: Penne’s tubular shape catches the creamy sauce perfectly, but any short pasta will work if you want to mix it up.
1 lb lean ground beef: The star protein—choose at least 90% lean to keep things light without sacrificing flavor.
1 medium onion, chopped: Sweet onion brings depth and aromatic warmth that melds with the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for maximum savory impact—freshly minced for best results.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds a juicy tang and boosts the sauce with both moisture and color.
1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the sauce rich while letting you control the salt level.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: The secret weapon for creamy texture and a high-protein punch, with a subtle tang that lightens things up.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, umami-rich Parmesan rounds out the sauce and ties all the flavors together.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly brings a classic Italian vibe to the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: These basics are essential to bring out all those vibrant flavors.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, pop of green at the finish—don’t skip it!
Olive oil (for cooking): Just a splash to start everything off with rich flavor and silky texture.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add a big pinch of salt (the water should taste like the sea!). Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still with a little bite (al dente). Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside—you don’t want soggy noodles in your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

While the pasta’s bubbling away, grab your largest skillet and heat a swirl of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Crumble in the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, making sure to stir often for even cooking.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juices included), followed by a cup of low-sodium beef broth. Stir in the Greek yogurt and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese right over the bubbling mixture. Add your Italian seasoning and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. This step is where the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta truly comes alive, transforming into a rich, creamy, and savory sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Ready for the best part? Tip the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy beef mixture. Using tongs or a big spoon, gently toss everything until the pasta is cloaked in that luscious sauce. If it looks a bit thick, splash in a bit more beef broth or reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Every penne should be glistening and jam-packed with flavor!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta into bowls and finish with a shower of fresh basil or parsley. The vivid green adds freshness and gives each serving a restaurant-worthy touch. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and totally mouthwatering.

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter torn fresh basil or chopped parsley over each serving just before bringing it to the table. A light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts either! These toppings add a pop of color and a burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the rich, creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve some roasted vegetables for a nutrient-packed plate. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce—try it, you’ll thank me later!

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner feel special by serving this pasta in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of herbs and perhaps a few curls of shaved Parmesan on top. If you’re hosting, plate individual portions and top with a twist of fresh cracked pepper and herb sprigs for restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fuss-free option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes well thanks to the sturdy pasta and creamy beef sauce. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can microwave it, too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. The High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta will taste just as creamy and delicious the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is a fantastic shape for catching the sauce, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli works beautifully in this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try plain regular yogurt for a slightly thinner sauce, or use light sour cream for extra tang and creaminess. Each will give your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta a unique spin.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap out traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Most grocery stores carry several types, and the sauce for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms while sautéing the onions and beef for even more color, flavor, and nutrients. It’s an easy way to customize your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

What’s the best way to boost protein even more?

To really up the protein count, stir in some white beans or lentils towards the end of cooking, or choose a high-protein chickpea or lentil-based pasta to pair with your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta sauce.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is more than just a quick meal—it’s a flavorful, nourishing comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite go-to for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Indulge in a delicious and satisfying High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta recipe that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This hearty dish combines tender penne pasta with a creamy beef mixture for a flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss until well combined.
Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta garnished with fresh basil or parsley.