Go Back
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is both tasty and simple. To make this dish, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz whole grain pasta - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Whole grain pasta gives you fiber and a nutty taste. Lean ground beef adds protein. Greek yogurt makes the sauce creamy without too many calories. Fresh spinach packs vitamins and color. Using freshly grated parmesan cheese boosts flavor, while garlic and onion add depth. The Italian seasoning blend brings warmth and earthiness to the mix. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. With all ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a meal that's quick, filling, and full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. - Cook the pasta until al dente - Sauté the vegetables and brown the beef - Create the creamy sauce Cook the Pasta: Instructions and tips Start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add 8 oz of whole grain pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You want it al dente, which means it is firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. This step is key for a great texture. Sauté the Vegetables: Timing and techniques Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and see-through. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute. It should smell really good now. Next, add 1 lb of lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes. If there is fat, drain it off. Combine Ingredients for Sauce: Ensuring creaminess Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, lower the heat even more. Add 1 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This step brings all your flavors together. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To cook pasta well, use a large pot with lots of water. Make sure to add salt to the water. This will add flavor to the pasta. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the time and check for doneness. You want it to be al dente, firm but not hard. When browning ground beef, use a hot skillet. This helps create a nice crust. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula. This allows it to cook evenly. Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps it brown better. Drain any excess fat after cooking. This keeps the dish light and tasty. For a flavor boost, think about adding fresh herbs. Basil and parsley work well here. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish too. Pair this creamy beef pasta with a crisp side salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness. You might also enjoy some garlic bread on the side. This makes the meal feel complete and satisfying. Try the Full Recipe for more details on how to make this dish shine! {{image_4}} You can switch up the proteins in this dish. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef. Both choices will still give you a great flavor and keep it healthy. For a vegan twist, use plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas. They offer a nice texture and blend well with the creamy sauce. Pair them with plant-based yogurt for that creamy touch without dairy. Adding more veggies can boost the dish's flavor and nutrition. Consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them up and sauté them with the onions and garlic. They add color and taste. You can also play with spices. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Never be afraid to experiment with spices. Each change can turn this dish into something new and exciting. To keep your high protein creamy beef pasta fresh, store leftovers properly. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep moisture in and prevent odors from mixing. This method will help maintain flavor and texture. For best results, consume your leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. When it’s time to enjoy your pasta again, you can reheat it easily. To avoid drying it out, add a small splash of water or extra Greek yogurt before reheating. Microwave Method: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between until heated through. Stovetop Method: Put the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or yogurt, and stir gently. Heat until warm, ensuring the creamy texture stays intact. These methods will help you enjoy the delicious flavors again, just like when you first made it! For the full recipe, check back to the top. What are the health benefits of high protein pasta? High protein pasta offers many health perks. It helps build and repair muscles. It keeps you full longer, which can aid in weight loss. It also contains more fiber than regular pasta, promoting good digestion. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Cook the pasta and beef, then mix them with the sauce. Store everything in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat it up. Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, this recipe can be frozen. Let it cool first, then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. How do I make the sauce thicker if needed? To thicken the sauce, add more parmesan cheese. You can also simmer it for a few extra minutes. If it's still thin, mix in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Cooking time may vary, so check the package instructions. What is the calorie count per serving? This dish has about 500 calories per serving. It depends on the brands you use and any extra toppings you add. How can I increase the protein content further? To boost protein, add more lean beef or use extra Greek yogurt. You can also throw in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option. These changes will add flavor and nutrition to your meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post covered a delicious recipe featuring whole grain pasta and lean ground beef. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, tips for perfecting flavors, and variations to suit your taste. Storing and reheating advice ensures you enjoy every bite later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding when you follow these methods. Explore this dish with your own spin, and enjoy the healthy benefits it brings to your table. Remember, cooking is all about creativity!

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Indulge in this high protein creamy beef pasta that's both delicious and satisfying! With whole grain pasta, lean ground beef, Greek yogurt, and fresh spinach, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Want to impress your family? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight! Enjoy a comforting meal that’s easy to make and loaded with goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz whole grain pasta

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water seasoned with salt to a rolling boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside in a colander.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, introduce the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

      Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is well browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it off.

        Mix in the Spinach: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the chopped spinach along with the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and incorporated into the mixture.

          Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Add the Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with a splash of pasta water if needed.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture. Allow everything to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes.

              Season and Serve: Taste the dish and add salt and freshly ground pepper as desired. Once seasoned, remove from heat.

                Garnish: Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, finishing with fresh basil leaves on top and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese if you wish.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, twirl the pasta on a fork for a nest-like appearance, and scatter a few fresh basil leaves around the dish for vibrant color contrast.