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High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

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This high-protein creamy beef pasta is a quick, comforting, and healthy dinner idea that combines lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and high-protein pasta in a velvety, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave hearty comfort food with a nourishing twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean recommended; ground turkey or chicken can substitute)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5% recommended)
  • 4 oz (115g) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup (120-180ml) reserved pasta water
  • 12 oz (340g) high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat pasta)
  • 2 cups (60g) baby spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add high-protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve at least 3/4 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta (do not rinse).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up with a wooden spoon. Let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to sear, then stir and cook until browned and cooked through (5-6 minutes). Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until tomato paste darkens slightly (about 1 minute).
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted into the beef mixture. Add Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until smooth.
  6. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, stirring constantly, until the sauce is creamy and coats the beef. Add more pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.
  7. Add drained pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until pasta is well coated and spinach wilts (about 2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Divide among bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free high-protein pasta. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini if desired. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water; if too thin, simmer or add more cheese. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

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

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