Name: High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

Get ready for the comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is a weeknight wonder that brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and a big boost of protein to your table in barely over half an hour. Lean ground beef melds with Greek yogurt, parmesan, and a burst of Italian herbs, all wrapped around hearty penne. Whether you’re fueling up after a long day or whipping up something everyone will devour, this dish delivers everything you want—easy prep, classic flavor, and a creamy finish, all in one family-friendly meal that will quickly earn legendary status at your dinner table.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a mile-long ingredient list to make this satisfying dinner. Each simple item plays a special role, from building rich flavor in the sauce to creating that signature creamy, dreamy finish. A few fridge and pantry staples are all you need to pull off this spectacular High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe!

Penne pasta: The perfect shape for catching the luscious sauce in every bite; use whole wheat for extra fiber if you like.
Lean ground beef: Brings seriously hearty flavor and that essential high-protein kick without excess fat.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the base of the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Just two cloves carry a punch of garlicky goodness that ties everything together.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Brightens up the sauce, keeping it fresh and slightly tangy.
Low-sodium beef broth: Deepens the savoriness and helps create a silky texture.
Plain Greek yogurt: The real creamy secret! It amps up the protein and adds wonderful tang without heavy cream.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A little adds nutty, salty richness—don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning: Delivers that classic, can’t-miss Italian aroma and taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
Fresh basil or parsley: Makes the final plate pop with color and freshness.
Olive oil (for cooking): Adds silkiness and helps caramelize the onions and beef.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still holding a little bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is simple but crucial: perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. While the pasta cooks, you can prep your other ingredients to keep everything moving smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for a couple of minutes until everything turns soft and fragrant. Next, add the lean ground beef and use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, browning it all over. This step locks in layers of flavor, with the beef and aromatics forming a rich base for the entire dish.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

To your browned beef, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the low-sodium beef broth. Turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer gently. Now the magic: stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The yogurt makes the sauce luxuriously creamy with an extra protein punch, while the Parmesan brings depth. Let it all bubble for a few minutes, stirring occasionally so it turns silky and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Bring it all together by adding your cooked penne directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a wide spoon to toss everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated and all the flavors unite. At this stage, the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe becomes the creamy, comforting masterpiece you’ve been craving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up generous portions while everything is piping hot. Top each serving with a flurry of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. The creamy sauce will cling to each piece of penne, delivering the perfect balance of beefy richness and herby goodness in every bite!

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle each bowl with extra Parmesan and a handful of torn basil or chopped parsley. These quick garnishes add both flavor and a vivid dash of green, making each plate look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or steamed green beans pairs beautifully alongside this pasta, cutting through the creamy richness. A slice of crusty bread is also a welcomed partner, perfect for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe family-style in a big serving bowl, or pile it high on individual plates with a nest of greens on the side. For a dinner party twist, portion it into ramekins and broil with extra Parmesan until bubbly and golden for little pasta gratins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or speedy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The sauce may thicken a little in the freezer, but it will retain great flavor. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the beef and sauce are heated through and creamy again. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne is a classic choice because it holds the sauce so well, but you can use rotini, rigatoni, or any hearty pasta shape you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe?

You can easily swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt (make sure it’s unsweetened and plain) and choose a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The sauce will still turn out deliciously creamy!

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Stir in a big handful of spinach, diced bell peppers, or even mushrooms with the beef. They’ll add color, flavor, and an extra nutrition boost without overpowering the creamy sauce.

What type of ground beef is best?

Go for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to maximize protein while keeping the dish lighter. You’ll get all that savory flavor without extra grease in the sauce.

How can I make this meal even higher in protein?

Besides using lean beef and Greek yogurt, swap regular penne for a protein-enriched or whole wheat pasta. You can even toss in a handful of cooked lentils or add extra Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and a hefty dose of protein, look no further than this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast—there’s a good chance it’ll become your new go-to dinner for busy nights and cozy weekends alike!