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)

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is hands down my weeknight dinner lifesaver! Imagine perfectly cooked penne tossed in a velvety, savory sauce brimming with lean ground beef, luscious Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of Parmesan goodness. The best part? It packs a big punch of protein without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or comfort. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, prepping meals ahead, or just craving something quick yet indulgent, this crowd-pleasing pasta dish checks every box.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients can truly shine when combined thoughtfully, and each one here adds an essential layer to the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta. Rely on these kitchen staples and a few fresh touches for a meal that’s nourishing, balanced, and packed with delicious flavors you’ll crave again and again.

Penne pasta: Sturdy enough to soak up all that creamy sauce, penne is the perfect pasta shape for this dish, but feel free to swap in your favorite short pasta if needed.
Lean ground beef: The protein powerhouse of this recipe, using lean beef keeps the dish hearty and satisfying without making the sauce heavy or greasy.
Onion: Adding a wonderful depth of sweetness and aroma, onions are essential for a rich-tasting base.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves, minced, infuse the sauce with irresistible fragrance and flavor.
Canned diced tomatoes: Their tangy juices round out the creaminess, giving the finished pasta a bright, balanced note.
Low-sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering; opt for low-sodium to control the salt level.
Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to a high protein creamy beef pasta sauce that’s ultra-rich but light, plus a welcome protein boost.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the pasta that classic Italian aroma and plenty of flavor dimension.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; add a little at a time and taste as you go.
Fresh basil or parsley: Tossing in fresh herbs at the end brings a pop of color and a burst of freshness to every bite.
Olive oil: Just enough for sautéing; it adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—this helps the pasta hold its shape once you mix it with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of the pasta cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle until the onion softens and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Crumble in the lean ground beef, cooking and stirring until it’s beautifully browned, with no pink remaining. Take a moment to season with salt and pepper as the beef cooks for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), beef broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well, letting everything simmer together for several minutes. This step melds the flavors and allows the sauce to thicken into that signature high protein creamy beef pasta texture. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture

Add the drained penne directly into the skillet with your creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together so that every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency—warm, glossy, and clingy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish, scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy touch. Serve immediately for maximum creaminess and enjoyment!

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

This dish looks gorgeous with a flurry of freshly chopped basil or parsley, but if you want to make it extra special, sprinkle over a few extra shards of Parmesan and a twist of black pepper right before serving. The herbs bring freshness and color, while the cheese adds a final pop of umami.

Side Dishes

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a star on its own, but it loves good company! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some oven-roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re extra-hungry, a warm slice of whole-grain garlic bread is always welcome for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls and let everyone add their preferred garnishes. Hosting a casual dinner? Serve the pasta straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic touch. Or, for meal prep, portion into grab-and-go containers—this high protein creamy beef pasta is just as delicious packed for lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a rarity!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will soak up more of the creamy sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

This high protein creamy beef pasta freezes surprisingly well! Cool the dish completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to two months; for best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer pasta to a skillet and add a splash of milk, broth, or even water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Gently heat over low until creamy and piping hot—avoid high heat to prevent curdling the sauce. The microwave works, too; just be sure to stir halfway through and check that everything is heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this high protein creamy beef pasta with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great swap if you want an even leaner version. You can even use plant-based ground alternatives to keep things vegetarian while still having plenty of protein.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne holds the sauce beautifully, but you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini—really any short, sturdy pasta will work. The key is choosing something with nooks and crannies to catch all the creamy beef sauce.

How do I make this dish even higher in protein?

There are lots of easy ways! Swap regular pasta for chickpea or lentil-based pasta, add a handful of spinach or white beans, or use extra lean beef. Even stirring in more Greek yogurt will boost the protein content.

Is Greek yogurt a must, or can I use something else?

Greek yogurt brings creaminess and keeps the dish light, but you could also use low fat sour cream or a splash of heavy cream if you’re in a pinch. Just note that Greek yogurt adds the most protein per serving.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, and you absolutely should if you’re looking to amp up the nutritional value! Stir in baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms—just add them in when you cook the beef so they have time to soften and mingle with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta turns a handful of ingredients into something genuinely comforting and satisfying. If you’re after a balanced dinner that feels special but fits your busy schedule, give this recipe a try—you’ll want to make it part of your dinnertime routine. Happy cooking!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe