Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta
This creamy high-protein beef pasta is the perfect quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Made with lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, it delivers rich flavor and muscle-supporting nutrition in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 530 kcal
Skillet or large sauté pan
Large pot for boiling pasta
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
- 8 oz penne pasta, Whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher recommended
- 1 small onion, Chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, Minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 1 standard can
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth,
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, Use 2% or whole for creaminess
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Freshly grated for best flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil, For sautéing
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, Chopped, for garnish
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then add ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and allow to simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
- Nutrition is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Swap penne with any short pasta, such as rigatoni or rotini.
- For additional protein, stir in cooked lentils or white beans.
- If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef.
- Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Calories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 36gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 520mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
Keyword creamy beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, high-protein pasta, macro-friendly dinner, pasta with Greek yogurt