High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This creamy beef pasta is a delightful and hearty meal that perfectly balances convenience and flavor. I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week filled with after-school activities, and it has since become a staple in my household. Packed with protein and bursting with flavors, it’s the perfect dish to whip up after a long day. It’s not just a hunger-buster; it’s also comforting, creamy, and ready in no time — ideal for those busy weeknight dinners.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should this creamy beef pasta take center stage on your dinner table? First and foremost, it delivers a high protein punch while maintaining a comforting and creamy texture. Every ingredient contributes to a dish that’s flavor-packed yet straightforward to prepare, making it especially appealing for weeknight family meals.

You’ll love how versatile it is; whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to impress guests, this dish adapts well. It’s also budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. The reviews say it all:

“I made this for my family last week, and they couldn’t get enough! Creamy, delicious, and even my kids asked for seconds. Definitely going into our regular rotation!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

This pasta dish may sound fancy, but it’s incredibly straightforward. In no time, you’ll have a warm, satisfying bowl of creamy beef pasta ready to enjoy.

The cooking process involves sautéing your aromatic vegetables, browning the ground beef, and bubbling everything together with creamy elements before tossing in the pasta. Each step builds upon the last for a delightful outcome that captures heartwarming home-cooked goodness.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious creamy beef pasta:

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)

Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option or opt for gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions apply.

Cooking Steps

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Add in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), low-sodium beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well-combined and warmed through.
Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh basil or parsley for that finishing touch.

What to Serve It With

To elevate your dining experience, consider these serving suggestions:

A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery element that complements the creamy sauce.
For an extra boost, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top or toss in some sautéed vegetables for color and nutrition.

Storage Tips

Leftover creamy beef pasta can be stored safely for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s simple to reheat in the microwave, just make sure to add a splash of beef broth or a bit of water to maintain the creaminess.

If you find yourself with more than one day’s worth of leftovers, this dish also freezes well for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Pro Chef Tips

Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the beef mixture before adding the broth.
If you’re looking to add some spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to add a unique spin to your creamy beef pasta:

Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner dish.
Experiment with different types of pasta, like fusilli or farfalle, for a fun presentation.
Add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutritional content and flavors.

Your Questions Answered

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Simply cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Easily swap out the penne pasta for a gluten-free alternative and ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.

3. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

This high protein creamy beef pasta dish is not just a recipe; it’s your new go-to meal solution for busy weeknights, balancing flavor, nutrition, and convenience in one delicious bowl!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

Description

A delightful and hearty creamy beef pasta dish packed with protein, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Add in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), low-sodium beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well-combined and warmed through.
Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh basil or parsley for that finishing touch.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute lean ground turkey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: beef pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, high protein recipe, easy pasta recipe