Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines lean ground beef with pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is packed with protein, making it a great choice for a filling meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces whole wheat or high-protein pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or low-fat cream cheese)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce

1. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

1. Stir in Yogurt and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the creamy beef pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this delicious and protein-packed meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Protein Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the heartiness of pasta and beef. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!