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