High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Cooking has a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. One such memory comes to mind when I think of hearty weeknight dinners. Picture a bustling kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling ground beef and garlic, accompanied by the laughter of family members gathering around the table. The joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal is something I cherish deeply.

High protein creamy beef pasta stands out as one of those soul-soothing dishes. It combines lean ground beef with creamy yogurt and pasta, creating an irresistible comfort food perfect for busy weeknights. When time is short but hunger calls, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition, making it a staple in my household.

The process takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy quality family time without slaving away in the kitchen. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a delightful touch of freshness that elevates the dish. Let’s dive right into the simplicity of creating this hearty meal.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Essentials

Fundamentals

This high protein creamy beef pasta requires just a handful of ingredients, focusing entirely on the wholesome goodness of lean ground beef and a creamy base. With the rich flavors of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, the dish becomes anything but ordinary.

Using penne pasta or similar short pasta types like rigatoni or fusilli ensures that every bite retains a perfect amount of sauce. The key flavors develop nicely in a single-pan cooking method, reducing cleanup time, which is always a win on busy nights.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the cooking, set yourself up for success. Gather all the ingredients you need: lean ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, beef broth, your choice of pasta, and the creamy elements that follow.

Prepare a large pot of water for boiling the pasta, and preheat your skillet. Having everything at hand simplifies the cooking process. Once your ingredients are ready and the setup is complete, the cooking can flow seamlessly.

Ingredients

For this delicious high protein creamy beef pasta, you will need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes with juices
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn golden brown. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Incorporate the canned tomatoes and low-sodium beef broth into the beef mixture. Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Add the Creamy Element: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy beef sauce.

6. Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an inviting presentation.

Elevating Your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Experience

Technique

Mastering this recipe doesn’t take extensive culinary skills. The technique revolves around browning the beef adequately and ensuring the pasta reaches the perfect al dente texture. Do not rush the simmering process; this is when the flavors develop beautifully.

A crucial tip is to not overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking once combined with the sauce. aim for slightly less than the package instructions to achieve that ideal texture.

Tips & Tricks

When preparing this dish, consider the following tips to enrich your cooking experience:

• For extra depth of flavor, let the sauce simmer a bit longer. This allows the tomatoes to infuse into the broth.
• If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese; mozzarella or cream cheese can add an exciting twist to the creamy texture.

Perfecting Results and Troubleshooting

Perfecting Results

Achieving a well-balanced dish involves tweaking various elements. Ensure the perfect seasoning by adding salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. This approach allows you to adjust based on your preferences.

The creamy texture should be rich yet not overpowering. Incorporating Greek yogurt gradually can help control the consistency while providing the desired creaminess.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your sauce seems too thick, adding a little extra beef broth will resolve this quickly. For those who want a lighter version, substitute the Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream.

Feel free to customize the dish with vegetables. Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the penne for gluten-free pasta if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Serving/Presentation

When it comes to plating, presentation plays a significant role. Use wide, shallow bowls for an appealing serving. Top each dish generously with freshly chopped herbs for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkling of extra parmesan can add visual allure and a savory touch.

Pairings/Storage

Pair this delectable high protein creamy beef pasta with a simple side salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta perfectly. For non-salad options, consider garlic bread as a delightful side.

In terms of storage, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

High protein creamy beef pasta captures the essence of a comforting yet nutritious meal. It brings together the delightful combination of flavors that appeal to all ages. This dish shines on busy weeknights, effortlessly transforming ordinary evenings into cherished memories around the dinner table. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, anyone can enjoy this deliciously creamy pasta dish.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: High Protein

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Description

A quick and nutritious weeknight dinner combining lean ground beef and creamy yogurt with pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes with juices
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until golden brown. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
3. Simmer the sauce: Incorporate canned tomatoes and beef broth into the beef mixture. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the creamy element: Stir in Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine with pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated in the creamy beef sauce.
6. Garnish & serve: Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream. Add red pepper flakes for heat or toss in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: beef pasta, high protein, quick dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta