This creamy high-protein beef pasta is a hearty meal that fills you up without weighing you down. Lean beef, pasta, and a rich sauce come together for a delicious dinner.
You’ll love how creamy and satisfying it is! It’s a winner for busy weeknights when you need something tasty, quick, and hearty. Plus, the protein helps keep you strong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Whole wheat or high-protein pasta is great for added fiber and nutrients. It can be swapped with regular pasta if needed. You could also use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb option!
Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef for a healthier choice. You can substitute turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Greek Yogurt: This brings creaminess and protein to the dish. If you don’t have it, low-fat cream cheese or sour cream works well too. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut yogurt!
Spinach: This is optional, but adding baby spinach boosts the nutrition. Kale or other leafy greens can work if spinach isn’t available or if you want a change.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy Without Curdling the Yogurt?
Getting the sauce creamy is key to this dish! Here’s how to do it without curdling:
- When you add Greek yogurt, lower the heat to medium-low. This prevents it from overheating.
- Stir it in quickly but gently, so it incorporates smoothly into the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add the reserved pasta water gradually. This keeps everything creamy without clumping.
Enjoy crafting your creamy beef pasta, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
How to Make Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional for added nutrition)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious creamy high protein beef pasta takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and make. You’ll spend around 15 minutes on prep and cooking, making this a great option for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your whole wheat or high-protein pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it. Set the cooked pasta aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onion:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This will make your dish aromatic and delicious!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This adds a wonderful flavor to the base of your sauce.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, roughly 6-8 minutes. Make sure to season with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs for extra flavor.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes, which will help deepen the flavors.
6. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Lastly, add the cooked pasta and the baby spinach leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the spinach is wilted. This step makes the dish nutrient-packed and colorful!
8. Final Seasoning:
Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy high protein beef pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you wish. Dig in and enjoy this hearty meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat or high-protein pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, including gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking to make this creamy beef pasta dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion to enhance the flavors and nutrition of the dish!