I still remember the first time I made this creamy beef pasta after a long, busy day. I wanted something hearty yet quick—something that didn’t leave me with a pile of dishes. As the aroma of garlic and beef filled the kitchen, I realized I had found the perfect weeknight comfort food. Every forkful brought the ideal balance of creamy sauce and tender pasta, making it a dish I now cook whenever I crave both flavor and convenience.
What I love most about this recipe is how it turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels special. The creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan gives richness without being too heavy, while the beef adds satisfying protein to keep everyone full. It’s one of those recipes that taste indulgent but still fit into a balanced, high-protein lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this high-protein creamy beef pasta because it checks every box: quick, creamy, and nourishing. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy smoothness that replaces traditional cream, keeping it lighter yet rich in flavor. The combination of beef, pasta, and herbs brings comfort to any table. Whether it’s a busy evening or a cozy family dinner, this recipe makes everyone happy.
Versatile
This creamy beef pasta is incredibly flexible. You can swap penne for any pasta you have—fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. If you prefer extra veggies, add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for color and nutrition. It also pairs beautifully with a side of green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly
Another reason this dish stands out is its affordability. All the ingredients are pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, onion, garlic, and a bit of Greek yogurt. You can serve a delicious, filling dinner without stretching your budget. It’s the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without leaving home or overspending.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Olive oil for cooking
How to Make This Recipe
When I make this creamy beef pasta, I always start by setting a pot of water to boil while I prepare the rest. It saves time and keeps the cooking flow smooth. Once the pasta is cooking, I move on to the heart of the dish — the creamy, flavorful beef sauce. The best part is that everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy and quick.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
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Cook the pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. Keeping it slightly firm ensures it won’t become too soft once added to the sauce. -
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. These two ingredients form the flavorful base for the sauce. -
Brown the beef:
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Stir and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown evenly, ensuring there are no raw spots. Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage. The aroma at this point tells you something delicious is on the way. -
Create the creamy sauce:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Mix everything together, then lower the heat. Add the plain Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently until the yogurt blends into the sauce, giving it a creamy and rich texture without using heavy cream. -
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture. The pasta will absorb some of the flavors as it sits, making it even more delicious. -
Final touch:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. The herbs bring a refreshing finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Quick and Easy
This recipe takes only about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a weeknight winner. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the sauce, so everything comes together fast. The short ingredient list and simple method make it approachable for both beginners and busy cooks.
Customizable
You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste. Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta for a different texture. Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter protein. For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese. It’s one of those dishes that welcome creativity without losing its comfort.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whenever I serve this creamy beef pasta, everyone asks for seconds. The combination of rich sauce, tender pasta, and hearty beef creates a meal that satisfies both kids and adults. It’s simple enough for weekdays yet special enough for guests. Serve it with crusty bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a dinner everyone will remember.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the creamy beef mixture and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. This keeps the texture creamy and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.2. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can replace it with plain low-fat yogurt or a small amount of cream cheese. These options keep the sauce creamy while maintaining a good protein balance.3. How can I make this recipe even higher in protein?
You can increase the protein by adding extra lean ground beef, lentils, or even cottage cheese to the sauce. Another great option is using high-protein pasta made from lentils or chickpeas.4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with children. If you’re cooking for younger kids, reduce the garlic slightly for a softer taste.5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this pasta freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Reheat it over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.6. What sides go best with this creamy beef pasta?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. These light sides balance the richness of the pasta perfectly.7. How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
Make sure to lower the heat before adding the Greek yogurt and stir continuously. Adding it to a hot sauce too quickly can cause separation, but gentle stirring creates a smooth and silky texture.8. Can I use another cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or a mild cheddar if you prefer. Parmesan, however, gives a nutty and classic Italian flavor that complements the beef sauce best.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta – A Comforting Weeknight Favorite
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something quick, filling, and comforting. With lean ground beef, creamy Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese, it delivers both flavor and protein in every bite. The best part? It’s ready in about 35 minutes and can easily be customized to fit your taste or diet.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Lower the heat and add Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until creamy.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of milk. You can also include spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition. If reheating, add a bit of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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