High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Introduction

For anyone searching for a high-protein, satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this creamy beef pasta recipe makes the perfect answer. The combination of tender lean beef and a luscious, velvety sauce delivers deep flavor with every bite while packing a protein punch. This dish is a crowd pleaser—comforting yet nutrient-rich—making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, fast, and filling.

Why This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Stands Out

Unlike many classic pasta dishes, this recipe is built around extra-lean ground beef and the use of protein-rich Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream, creating a creamy texture without excess fat. This makes it not only delicious but also aligned with your fitness and nutrition goals while still providing that indulgent, comforting mouthfeel everyone craves.

The Secrets to a Creamy, Protein-Packed Pasta Sauce

The creamy sauce comes together quickly by whisking Greek yogurt and a touch of low-fat milk into the skillet after the beef is browned. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess, letting the rich flavors meld together without relying on heavy cream or butter. Adjust seasonings with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a balanced, flavorful result.

How to Assemble Your Creamy Beef Pasta

While your pasta cooks, brown the beef with aromatics, then add tomato paste and broth for a savory backbone. After simmering, remove the pan from heat and stir in yogurt and cheese to prevent curdling, resulting in a silky, protein-rich sauce that evenly coats the noodles. This efficient method guarantees a smooth, satisfying sauce in minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Serve this pasta piping hot, topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful, well-balanced dinner. For an even bigger protein boost, swap regular pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta, or toss in a handful of baby spinach before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty dinner servings, each delivering roughly 35g of protein, 42g carbs, and 12g fat depending on ingredients chosen. It’s a satisfying but balanced meal designed to support energy and fullness without excess calories.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recap

The blend of lean beef, creamy yogurt, and whole grain or legume pasta yields a balanced meal full of comforting flavor and nutrition. With a simple method and a focus on protein, it’s a weeknight dinner win that satisfies every time.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned (5–6 minutes).
3. Add diced onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
5. Pour in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese until sauce turns creamy—don’t boil after adding yogurt or it may curdle.
7. Add cooked pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
8. Season to taste and stir in spinach or mushrooms, if using. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Weekly Meal Planning

This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the ideal addition to your weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your week efficiently and generate smart shopping lists that combine ingredients across all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Knows which recipes require overlapping ingredients to prevent overbuying
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store sections for extra speed
• Tracks ingredient quantities across every planned recipe
• Makes prepping high-protein, balanced meals easy and efficient

Pro tip: When you plan multiple meals, schedule your recipes so CookifyAI can calculate totals for items like ground beef or parmesan, saving you money and preventing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy a delicious, high protein creamy beef pasta that fits right into busy weeknights—and smart, organized meal planning!