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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta: Rich, Comforting, and Protein-Packed

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Rich and satisfying pasta dish with savory ground beef, creamy Greek yogurt sauce, and melted cheese. Ready in 30 minutes with 38g of protein per serving.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 225 g penne pasta
  • 450 g lean ground beef (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions, usually 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up with a spatula, until completely browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the cleared space. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Lower the heat to prevent curdling. Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese, mixing until creamy and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and to avoid curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a silkier sauce.
  • For extra richness, top with more shredded cheese before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Find it online: https://easyrecipes.cookingtastes.com/creamy-high-protein-beef-pasta-rich-comforting-and-protein-packed/