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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe: The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Nutrition


  • Author: rodrigo Stone
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made macro-friendly! Loaded with lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s secretly protein-packed, it’s a one-pot meal you’ll crave weekly — whether you’re fueling a workout or just want something filling and delicious.

 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat penne)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher)

  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt or light sour cream

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

  • 12 handfuls fresh spinach (optional for extra nutrients)

  • Chopped parsley or basil for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large nonstick skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until no longer pink.

  4. Stir in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

  5. Lower heat and stir in Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix until creamy and fully melted.

  6. Fold in the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Add spinach if using and cook until wilted.

  7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm!

Notes

For even more protein, mix in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or collagen peptides into the sauce. You can also swap Greek yogurt for cottage cheese (blended smooth). Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for more fiber. Great for meal prep — stays creamy when reheated!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes