Description
Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a hearty, protein-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 225g penne pasta
- 450g lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. This typically takes about 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce later.
- In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the lean ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until it turns a nice brown color, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease after the beef has finished cooking to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Once the beef is browned, shift it to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their delightful fragrances. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your sauce.
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the beef and aromatics. Allow this to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. This step will give your sauce a rich color and a more complex taste profile, which is key in a creamy dish.
- Next, pour in the beef broth, mixing everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This bubbling action allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low before you stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add your reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This is what will make the sauce comforting and luscious.
- Now that your sauce is perfect, add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy beef sauce. It’s important to gently mix to keep the pasta intact while ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
- Finally, taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as necessary. Keep in mind that the cheese can add some saltiness, so season lightly at first.
- For an exquisite presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm, and watch your family devour this hearty meal!
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 34 g