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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

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A quick, hearty, and protein-packed creamy beef pasta made with lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and high protein pasta. Perfect for busy families seeking a comforting yet nutritious dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) high protein pasta (lentil, chickpea, or whole wheat penne)
  • Salt, for cooking pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (93% or higher)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (120g) low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (180g) plain Greek yogurt (2% recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese to the beef and stir until it begins to melt and coat the meat. Add beef broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until fully combined and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy beef sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if desired.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra protein, use lentil or chickpea pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted. To prevent sauce separation, remove from heat before adding yogurt and cheese, and do not boil after adding them. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein pasta, creamy beef pasta, easy dinner, family meal, healthy pasta, ground beef recipe, Greek yogurt pasta, protein dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/high-protein-creamy-beef-pasta-easy-dinner-recipe-for-families/