Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds — classic comfort food and smart nutrition. The lean ground beef keeps it hearty and full of flavor, while a creamy, protein-rich sauce made from Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or protein-enriched milk adds indulgence without the guilt. It’s fast to make, easily customizable, and the kind of meal that leaves you full for hours. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder — simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company.
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Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta – A Comforting Powerhouse of Flavor and Nutrition
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta is a hearty, muscle-fueling meal that combines lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a velvety, high-protein creamy sauce. Perfect for post-workout dinners or busy weeknights, this dish delivers comfort food satisfaction with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Fold in cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add mozzarella cheese and spinach, stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra protein, use chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with cottage cheese for a thicker, ultra-high-protein sauce.
- To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lean Ground Beef (90% or higher): A great source of protein and iron, providing rich flavor and hearty texture.
Whole Wheat or Protein Pasta: Adds extra fiber and protein to keep you fuller longer.
Onion: Brings depth and sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: Adds bold flavor that complements the beef and sauce.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding healthy fats.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the flavor of the sauce and adds richness.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base and keeps the sauce silky.
Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: The secret to a high-protein creamy sauce without heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth that rounds out the dish.
Spinach (optional): For extra nutrients and color.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.
Smoked Paprika or Italian Seasoning (optional): Adds warmth and a subtle layer of spice.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese) and Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta and spinach (if using) to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and total time is about 30 minutes — a fast, protein-packed dinner ready in under half an hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chipotle Version
Add chipotle powder or chili flakes for a smoky, spicy twist.
Mushroom & Beef Boost
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich variation.
Alfredo-Style
Skip the tomato paste and stir in a bit of light cream cheese for a creamy white sauce.
Mediterranean Spin
Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
Veggie-Loaded Version
Toss in zucchini, peas, or bell peppers to make it heartier and more colorful.
Cheesy Bake
Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting pasta bake.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, it works beautifully and keeps the dish even leaner.
2. What’s the best pasta to use?
Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce best, but any pasta works.
3. Can I use protein pasta?
Absolutely — chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta all boost the protein content.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
5. How can I make it richer?
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
6. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well — just add a little broth to restore creaminess.
7. What can I add for extra flavor?
Try Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, or a dash of soy sauce for umami depth.
8. How can I make the sauce extra smooth?
Blend the Greek yogurt or cottage cheese before adding it to the pan.
9. Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but it also makes a great cold pasta salad with a bit more yogurt added.
10. What’s a good side for this dish?
Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta is a wholesome yet indulgent dish that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With its tender beef, creamy protein-packed sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, this meal is both comforting and energizing. It’s easy, satisfying, and customizable — perfect for busy nights, post-workout dinners, or when you just want something hearty and delicious that loves you back.
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