Delicious High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners
# High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
## Introduction
If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner option that won't take hours to prepare, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect choice! This dish combines lean ground beef, creamy Greek yogurt, and flavorful spices, all mingled together with pasta for a comforting meal. It's nutritious, filling, and sure to please the whole family, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
## Why Make This Recipe?
This creamy beef pasta not only tastes amazing, but it's also packed with protein, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The use of Greek yogurt adds creaminess without excess fat, while the lean ground beef provides essential nutrients. Plus, it comes together quickly, taking just around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for hectic evenings.
## How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create your perfect creamy beef pasta.
### Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
### Directions
1. **Cook the Penne Pasta**: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics**: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. **Brown the Beef**: Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Combine the Ingredients**: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Mix with Pasta**: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture, tossing everything together until well combined.
6. **Serve**: Dish out the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor.
## How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
This creamy beef pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra splash of color and flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
## How to Store High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
## Tips to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
- **Use Whole Wheat Pasta**: For an even healthier option, swap regular penne for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content.
- **Boost Veggies**: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- **Meal Prep**: Consider doubling the recipe for easy meal prep; this dish can make great lunches for the week.
## Variations
- **Protein Options**: You can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives.
- **Different Pasta Shapes**: While penne is delicious, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as rotini or fusilli.
## FAQs
**1. Can I freeze the creamy beef pasta?**
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
**2. Is it healthy?**
Absolutely! This recipe is high in protein, low in saturated fats, and includes nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt and lean beef.
**3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?**
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein, such as lentils or a meat alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian meal.
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner, balancing flavor with nutrition, ready in just about 30 minutes!
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
A delicious and nutritious creamy beef pasta dish made with lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and flavorful spices, ready in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Use whole wheat for extra fiber.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Adds creaminess without excess fat.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional for serving.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Dish out the creamy beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor.
Notes
This creamy beef pasta is best served hot. Pair with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. For an additional flavor kick, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
