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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

A comforting and nutritious meal combining lean ground beef with creamy Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz, with juices)
Liquids and Dairy
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Can substitute with almond or coconut yogurt for dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can use dairy-free cheese alternative.
Seasonings
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Cooking Oil
  • Fresh for garnish basil or parsley For garnishing.
  • Olive oil For cooking.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to salt the water to add flavor. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
  1. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until they become fragrant and the onion starts to turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Beef
  1. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until it is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Adding Creamy Ingredients
  1. Lower the heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Seasoning the Dish
  1. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to deepen.
Combining with Pasta
  1. Toss the cooked penne pasta with the creamy beef mixture until well coated with the sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Consider a side salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container; refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat as needed, adding liquid if too thick.