High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that deliver comfort, flavor, and serious protein, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta rises straight to the top of the list. It’s the kind of recipe home cooks love—quick, hearty, and made with wholesome everyday ingredients. Tender penne pasta, savory lean ground beef, a garlicky tomato base, and a luxuriously creamy finish from Greek yogurt and Parmesan come together in one simple skillet.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a bowl of something satisfying after a long day, this recipe checks every box. The texture is rich and velvety, the flavors are bold and comforting, and the protein content makes it especially filling without weighing you down.

This dish blends the heartiness of a beef pasta bake with the silkiness of Alfredo-inspired sauces—yet it stays surprisingly light thanks to the Greek yogurt. The classic Italian seasoning ties the entire dish together while still allowing for custom twists if you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

It’s warm, cozy, nourishing, and incredibly easy to make. And because every ingredient is cooked in one pan before being tossed together with perfectly al dente penne, cleanup is minimal—a true lifesaver on busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein and balanced. Lean ground beef and Greek yogurt give this pasta a big protein boost, keeping it satisfying and energizing.
• Ready in just 35 minutes. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute cooking.
• Creamy without heavy cream. Greek yogurt and Parmesan create a rich sauce without the heaviness.
• One-pan convenience. Aside from boiling the pasta, everything comes together in a single skillet.
• Customizable for picky eaters. Add vegetables, swap pasta varieties, or adjust seasonings easily.
• Family-friendly comfort food. Everyone—from kids to adults—enjoys this cozy pasta bowl.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the full ingredient list exactly as provided—no modifications, no omissions.

Main Ingredients (4 servings)

• 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)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium or large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Grater (if using freshly grated Parmesan)
• Bowls for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is the original recipe process, expanded with additional clarity for home cooks while keeping every step 100% accurate.

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the 8 oz penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes 10–12 minutes in boiling salted water.
Drain well and set aside. A lightly oiled bowl or pot prevents sticking if the pasta sits for long.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
• Add the 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until fully browned with no remaining pink.
• Stir in the 15 oz can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Simmer this mixture for several minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.

3. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture

Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet.
Toss the pasta and sauce thoroughly until every piece is coated in the creamy beef mixture.

4. Serve

Divide into bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Option

Replace the ground beef with:

• Plant-based ground meat
• Cooked lentils
• Crumbled firm tofu

Vegan Alternative

• Use vegan ground meat
• Swap Greek yogurt for vegan yogurt
• Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative

Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free penne pasta
• Check that your broth and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free

Dairy-Free Option

• Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
• Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan

Add More Vegetables

Great additions include:

• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms

Adjust the Spice Level

• Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Stir in chili powder or cayenne
• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for smoky heat

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

This dish is:

• Creamy but not heavy
• Savory with light acidity from tomatoes
• Comforting with Italian-inspired herbs
• Tender pasta coated in a velvety sauce
• Balanced by the freshness of basil or parsley

Side Dish Pairings

No drinks included per your request. Here are side dishes instead:

• Garlic bread or homemade toasted ciabatta
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, or carrots
• Caprese-style salad to echo the Italian flavors

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving Estimate)

As provided:

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta ahead: Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and store up to 3 days.
• Prepare beef mixture ahead: Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Meal-prep friendly: Combine everything and portion into microwave-safe containers.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Rotini, fusilli, shells, or rigatoni all work well because they hold the creamy sauce.

2. Will the Greek yogurt curdle?

Not if the heat is kept at a gentle simmer and the yogurt is stirred in smoothly.

3. Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes. Simply double every ingredient and use a larger skillet.

4. Can I freeze this pasta?

It can be frozen, but yogurt-based sauces may become grainy. Thaw slowly and reheat gently with broth.

5. How can I make this richer?

Add extra Parmesan or stir in a bit of cream cheese.

6. Why use lean beef?

It keeps the dish lighter and prevents excess greasiness in the creamy sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	5 minutes
Cook Pasta	10–12 minutes
Brown Beef + Build Sauce	10 minutes
Combine & Serve	3 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in wide pasta bowls for a generous, restaurant-style presentation.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley for color contrast.
• Add extra Parmesan on top for a salty, cheesy finish.
• Pair with a simple green salad or crusty warm bread.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Creamy Beef Pasta

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or spicy Italian seasoning.

2. Mediterranean Creamy Beef Pasta

Stir in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.

3. Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

4. Creamy Beef & Veggie Pasta

Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini for more nutrients.

Ingredient Spotlight

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is the star of the creamy sauce, offering richness without cream.
How to select: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with at least 2% fat.
Storage: Keep airtight and cold, and use within 3–5 days of opening.
Enhances the dish by: Adding tang, protein, and creaminess.

Lean Ground Beef

The foundation of the hearty flavor.
How to select: Look for 90–93% lean beef.
Storage: Use within 1–2 days or freeze immediately.
Enhances the dish by: Providing depth, richness, and savory notes.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always sauté onions and garlic first to deepen flavor.
• Brown beef thoroughly to develop caramelization.
• Add yogurt only after lowering the heat to avoid curdling.
• Salt the pasta water heavily—it seasons the noodles from the inside.
• Let the pasta rest in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of broth to revive the creaminess.

Freezing

• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat gently over low heat, adding broth as needed.

Separate Storage

• Pasta and sauce can be stored separately to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	600 mg
Cholesterol	70 mg
Saturated Fat	6 g
Unsaturated Fat	7 g
Trans Fat	0 g

Expanded Conclusion

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the ideal balance of comfort food and nutritious ingredients, coming together in just 35 minutes with simple pantry staples. It’s creamy without being heavy, hearty without being greasy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re a beginner home cook looking for dependable weeknight meals or an experienced cook wanting something quick yet satisfying, this recipe earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. With straightforward instructions and customizable options, it’s a dish you can easily tailor to your tastes, seasonal ingredients, or dietary goals.

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