Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dinner that’s high in protein and packed with flavor, this Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is the perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder combines tender pasta, savory tomato-beef sauce, and a silky, protein-rich creaminess from Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, delivering a satisfying balance of cheesy, hearty, and healthy elements. Each bite offers a comforting mix of textures: tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a luscious sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• High in protein: Lean ground beef and Greek yogurt/cottage cheese pack a protein punch.
• Creamy and cheesy: Mozzarella and Parmesan elevate the flavor while keeping it comforting.
• One-pan simplicity: Most of the work happens in a single skillet.
• Customizable: Swap in high-protein pasta or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Family-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful—kids and adults alike will enjoy it.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people. Ingredients are grouped by component for clarity.

Skillet Sauce & Beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

Creamy Component

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese

Pasta & Cheese

• 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high-protein pasta optional)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for the sauce and beef
• Saucepan for cooking pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese manually)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

1. Add 1 pound lean ground beef to the skillet.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

3. Add Tomato Paste & Seasonings

1. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
2. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

4. Simmer with Broth

• Pour in 1 cup beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook 5–6 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.

5. Add Creamy Component

• Reduce heat to low. Stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese gently until creamy. Do not boil, as high heat can cause curdling.

6. Cook Pasta

• In a separate pot, cook 8 ounces penne or rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add directly to the skillet with the sauce.

7. Add Cheese

• Fold in 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.

8. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Prevent curdling: Always reduce heat before adding Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
• High-protein pasta: Swap traditional pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein.
• Vegetable boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers while simmering the sauce.
• Reheating tip: Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creaminess when reheating leftovers.
• Cheese variations: Try provolone, fontina, or part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Savory: Ground beef provides a rich, meaty base.
• Smoky: Smoked paprika adds depth.
• Creamy: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese makes a silky, protein-rich sauce.
• Cheesy: Mozzarella and Parmesan give gooey, indulgent flavor.
• Herbaceous: Italian seasoning and fresh parsley brighten each bite.

Serving ideas:

• Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for added fiber and nutrition.
• Great for meal prep—portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1 bowl):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Dietary notes: High-protein, family-friendly, and easily adjustable for low-carb or vegetarian modifications.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook the sauce and beef ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Cook pasta separately to avoid sogginess and add to the skillet just before serving.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use leaner beef?
Yes, 90/10 or 93/7 works well. Drain excess fat to prevent greasy sauce.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, it will create a similarly creamy texture, though slightly thicker.

4. How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra ½ cup mozzarella or sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving.

5. Can this be made in one pan entirely?
Yes, use pre-cooked or high-protein pasta that only needs warming in the sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Sauté onions & garlic	3–4 min	Medium heat, softens onions
Brown ground beef	5–6 min	Break apart, drain excess fat
Add tomato paste & seasonings	2 min	Deepens flavor
Simmer with broth	5–6 min	Reduce slightly
Add Greek yogurt/cottage cheese	1 min	Low heat, stir gently
Cook pasta separately	10 min	Al dente
Fold in cheese & pasta	2–3 min	Melt and combine
Total	~30 min	Ready to serve

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot in bowls with a sprinkle of parsley.
• Pair with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Excellent for meal prep—portion into containers for a week of high-protein lunches.

Recipe Variations

1. Veggie-Packed Beef Pasta: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
2. Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
3. Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or high-protein pasta.
4. Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Mix in provolone, fontina, or extra Parmesan for more richness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lean Ground Beef

• Selection: 90/10 or 93/7 ensures flavor without excessive fat.
• Tip: Brown thoroughly and drain to keep sauce light.

Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese

• Function: Adds creaminess and protein without heavy cream.
• Tip: Reduce heat to avoid curdling and maintain a silky texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Stir in yogurt or cottage cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent separation.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
• Fold in pasta gently to avoid breaking noodles.
• Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect balance.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creaminess when microwaving.
• Freezing: Portion the sauce without pasta; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and cook pasta before combining.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	520 kcal	Balanced for family dinner
Protein	38g	Ground beef + Greek yogurt
Carbs	42g	Pasta, tomato paste
Fat	24g	Cheese + beef + olive oil
Saturated Fat	11g	Cheese
Fiber	3g	Pasta & optional vegetables
Sodium	720mg	Broth, seasonings, cheese

Expanded Conclusion

The Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a family-friendly, nutrient-packed, and indulgently creamy dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you crave a comforting pasta dish without heavy cream.

By combining lean ground beef, tomato paste, spices, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan, you get a protein-rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and rich in flavor and texture, this pasta is an ideal addition to any dinner rotation. Serve hot, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy a hearty, creamy, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for your busy lifestyle.

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