If you are looking for a dish that satisfies your cravings and packs a nutritional punch, look no further than this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. It’s a deliciously rich, comforting pasta meal where tender penne meets a savory, creamy sauce loaded with lean ground beef and a delightful tang from Greek yogurt. Every bite bursts with flavor, balancing the smoothness of Parmesan cheese and the freshness of herbs, making this a perfect meal for both busy weeknights and leisurely dinners. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a hearty, protein-packed pasta dinner.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness while keeping things straightforward in the kitchen.

8 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that holds onto every bit of the creamy sauce.
1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the star source of protein without excess fat, keeping the dish hearty but balanced.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant warmth and a flavor boost that ties all ingredients together.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Offers bright acidity and juiciness, cutting through the creaminess nicely.
1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor while keeping salt levels in check.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it creates a luscious sauce without heaviness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty umami finish that melds perfectly with the beef.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A warming blend of herbs that infuses every bite with aromatic goodness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A final fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
Olive oil (for cooking): The foundation for sautéing and unlocking flavors.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches perfectly al dente. This texture is crucial because the pasta should hold its shape and offer a bite that complements the creamy beef sauce that comes later. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This simple step unlocks sweetness from the onions and releases the bold aroma from garlic, laying a flavorful foundation for the beef mixture.

Step 3: Brown the Lean Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef directly to the skillet with your sautéed aromatics. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until nicely browned all over. This caramelization creates rich depth in the sauce, giving your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta that hearty, satisfying flavor you crave.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Once your beef is browned, stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Then mix in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine without curdling the yogurt. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors fuse together into a silky, creamy sauce that hugs every pasta piece beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic moment—add your cooked penne straight into the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything carefully so that every bite is enveloped in that luxurious sauce. This final combination step ensures the pasta absorbs flavors and makes the whole dish irresistibly cohesive.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish. The herbs not only add a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce, making your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta look as delightful as it tastes.

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh basil or parsley is the perfect finishing touch. These herbs brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise, offering a contrast to the creamy, beefy sauce. For a bit of extra flair, a light dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving adds a lovely savory layer.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. These add color, crunch, and extra nutrients, balancing the rich, creamy pasta for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For company or a special dinner, serve this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta in shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of basil and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes on top for texture and a bit of heat. Presentation is a great way to elevate a beloved comfort dish into something truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta in portioned containers, but note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the creamy Greek yogurt sauce. To freeze, let it cool completely, then seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up, keeping the texture smooth and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap it out for rigatoni, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber and texture without compromising the deliciousness of your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.

Is Greek yogurt necessary, or can I substitute it?

Greek yogurt adds a unique creamy tang and extra protein, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with sour cream or heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the protein content will be lower, and the flavor profile might change slightly.

How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Using lean ground beef and low-fat Greek yogurt already helps keep calories in check. You could also reduce the amount of cheese slightly and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to bulk up the dish while keeping it satisfying.

Can I prepare this dish for meal prep?

Yes, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is an excellent candidate for meal prep. Divide into portions after cooking and cool thoroughly before refrigerating. It reheats well and makes nutritious, ready-to-go meals throughout the week.

What wine pairs well with High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta?

Since this dish balances rich creaminess with savory beef, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a Sangiovese complements it beautifully. If you prefer white, a buttery Chardonnay would offer a lovely match to the creamy elements.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is truly a winner in my recipe book—rich, comforting, and packed with nourishing ingredients that bring both flavor and fuel to the table. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. I encourage you to make it soon and savor each creamy, beefy bite that proves healthy eating can absolutely be indulgent and delicious.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, high-protein beef pasta dish combining lean ground beef, penne, and a rich sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. This comforting yet nutritious meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner, balancing protein and flavor with low-sodium ingredients and fresh herbs.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add Creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well mixed. Heat gently but do not boil to prevent yogurt from curdling.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture.
Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure not to boil the sauce after adding Greek yogurt to avoid curdling.
You can substitute penne with other pasta types like rigatoni or fusilli.
For a lower-fat version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of broth and parmesan.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American