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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta for a Quick Family Feast

This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces penne pasta can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or whole wheat/legume-based pasta
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound lean ground beef opt for 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil use as needed for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion diced, shallots can be used as substitute
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic is recommended
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste use ketchup in a pinch
  • 1 cup beef broth chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt can swap with dairy-free yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella, adjust types as desired
For Seasoning & Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water, drain the rest, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.
  3. Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onion and minced garlic to the space. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste with the beef and aromatics, mixing well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify flavors.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Lower the heat and mix in Greek yogurt and shredded cheese until creamy. Gradually add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnishing with parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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