Dinner

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

This high protein creamy beef pasta is a perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef and a rich, tangy sauce made with Greek yogurt, it comes together quickly and satisfies hearty appetites.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with penne pasta coated in an orange-tan sauce that has a smooth and slightly thick texture. Mixed throughout the pasta are small pieces of ground meat that add a crumbly texture, and the dish is topped with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly, adding a touch of color contrast. The pasta sits on a white plate, and the background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The overall appearance is rich and appetizing, highlighting the sauce's creaminess and the pasta's softness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Swap penne for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and protein content.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
If Greek yogurt is too tangy, try using sour cream or a cream cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of creamy penne pasta with three main layers visible: the bottom layer is the penne pasta pieces in a pale yellow color, the middle layer is a thick, smooth sauce in light beige mixed with small bits of ground meat cooked to a brown texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs for color contrast. The sauce looks rich and coated evenly over the pasta, and the dish is placed on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the creamy texture and colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms when cooking the onions and garlic to boost the vegetable content without changing the cooking time significantly.