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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz high-protein pasta protein pasta, chickpea pasta, or whole wheat pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90% lean preferred
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt or light cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
  • ½ cup mushrooms sliced
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Large non-stick skillet or deep pan
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and gently stir in Greek yogurt or light cream.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
  2. Toss until fully coated in the creamy beef sauce.
  3. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  4. Stir in spinach or mushrooms if using, allowing them to wilt.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Nutritional Facts and Total Calories (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg