Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is my go-to dinner when I need something filling, delicious, and ready fast. This one-pan wonder delivers tender pasta coated in a rich, protein-packed sauce made with Greek yogurt and melted cheese. It’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen because it tastes indulgent without the heavy cream guilt.

I still remember making this dish on a Tuesday evening when my family had back-to-back soccer practice and piano lessons. We walked in the door at 6:30, and I knew we needed real food, not takeout. This creamy high protein beef pasta came together while backpacks got unpacked and homework started. Everyone went back for seconds. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy Greek yogurt, and gooey mozzarella creates the kind of comfort food that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself. What I love most is how the high protein pasta option bumps the nutrition even higher without sacrificing that classic pasta dinner vibe. It’s the perfect balance of easy, healthy, and downright delicious.

What You’ll Need for This Protein-Packed Pasta

I always use lean ground beef for this recipe because it keeps things hearty without being greasy. Pro tip: the 90/10 or 93/7 lean ratio is perfect here. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt for extra creaminess)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein chickpea or lentil pasta works great)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, but adds nice color)

How to Make This Creamy Beef Pasta

I recommend using a large, deep skillet for this recipe so everything fits comfortably. Keep your heat at medium to avoid scorching the sauce.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion pieces start turning golden at the edges.

Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter.

Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, but with lean beef you usually won’t need to.

Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step caramelizes the tomato paste and deepens the flavor significantly.

Step 5: Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly. The sauce should thicken a bit and the flavors will meld beautifully. While this simmers, start your pasta in a separate pot.

Step 6: Reduce heat to low. This is important! Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and stir gently until creamy. Don’t let it boil or the dairy may separate and look curdled.

Step 7: Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add directly to the skillet with sauce.

Step 8: Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The cheese should coat every piece of pasta.

Step 9: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your protein-packed dinner!

Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Dinner

This creamy high protein beef pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance the richness.

Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness.

Steamed Broccoli: The mild, slightly bitter flavor of broccoli complements the creamy sauce beautifully, plus it adds extra fiber and nutrients.

Garlic Bread: Toast some crusty bread with butter and garlic for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Roasted Asparagus: The earthy, slightly sweet flavor of roasted asparagus makes it one of the best sides for creamy beef pasta.

More Hearty Comfort Food Favorites

This creamy high protein beef pasta fits right in with other satisfying one-pot meals that deliver big flavor without lots of cleanup. For another protein-packed option with similar comfort food appeal, try the rich and savory Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, which combines ground beef with crispy bacon and melted cheese for an indulgent weeknight dinner.

When you’re craving more creamy pasta variations, the Creamy Paprika Steak Shells offers tender steak bites in a smoky, velvety sauce, while the Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta provides a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative. For a completely different flavor profile that still delivers on the comfort factor, the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac Cheese brings sweet and savory notes together in one irresistible dish.

Storing Your Leftovers

This creamy high protein beef pasta stores beautifully for meal prep. I recommend portioning it into individual airtight containers and refrigerating for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to the pan and warm over medium-low heat. This brings back that silky, creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir halfway through and add a tablespoon of liquid to prevent drying out.

Pro tip: freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze when you need something quick.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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