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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta – Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner

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Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies your cravings *and* your macros? This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta delivers big on both flavor and fuel. It’s packed with lean ground beef, tossed with al dente pasta, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy, high-protein sauce—all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, family meals, or a solo night in.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 225g penne pasta
  • 450g lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Push beef to one side, add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Pour in beef broth, stir, and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Lower heat, stir in Greek yogurt and shredded cheese until creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Add cooked pasta to sauce, toss to coat evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creamiest texture and to avoid curdling.
  • Stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  • For extra richness, top with more shredded cheese before serving.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American