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Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta

Creamy high protein beef pasta in a large skillet with melted cheese and fresh parsley
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A one-pan wonder filled with tender pasta, rich tomato-beef flavor, and a silky, protein-packed sauce made with Greek yogurt. Perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow tomato paste to caramelize.
  5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly. While this simmers, start cooking pasta in a separate pot.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and stir gently until creamy. Don’t let it boil.
  7. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add directly to skillet with sauce.
  8. Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to keep meal hearty but not greasy. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives.
  • Reduce heat before adding Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to avoid curdling.
  • Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best as their ridges grab the sauce.
  • Add splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/creamy-high-protein-beef-pasta/