Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a busy weeknight or craving a comforting bowl that’s both nutrient-dense and indulgent, High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta delivers on every front. This creamy, protein-packed pasta’ll make everyone ask for seconds as it marries lean ground beef with whole wheat noodles and a luscious Greek yogurt–infused sauce. The combination is nothing short of magical: whole wheat pasta lends a lightly nutty backdrop, while the tangy yogurt and Parmesan create a velvety coating around each strand. Topped off with fragrant oregano and basil, plus a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome goodness and genuine comfort food satisfaction.
Best of all, it comes together in a snap—just 15 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking, and a brief two-minute rest before serving. As an intermediate-level recipe that clocks in at around 450 calories per serving, it’s ideal for lunch or dinner, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together an impromptu family feast. So grab your skillet and let’s dive into this flavor-packed journey—your taste buds and your protein goals will thank you.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HIGH PROTEIN CREAMY BEEF PASTA
To make this creamy beef pasta truly shine, you’ll want to gather high-quality ingredients that offer both robust flavor and nutritional punch. Each component plays a key role, from building the foundation of the sauce to adding layers of texture and depth. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole Wheat Pasta
Provides a hearty, nutty flavor and extra fiber compared to refined noodles, creating a more satisfying, slow-burning carbohydrate base.
- Lean Ground Beef
Packs in protein and rich umami tastes without excessive fat, giving the dish a meaty backbone that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil
Used for sautéing aromatics, it adds a fruity, subtle richness and helps evenly cook onions and garlic without sticking.
- Onion
Offers natural sweetness and depth when finely chopped and sautéed until translucent, laying the groundwork for savory layers.
- Garlic
Brings bright, pungent notes to the mix—minced for maximum flavor release in every mouthful.
- Beef Broth
Adds moisture and concentrated beef flavor, transforming simple ground meat into a saucy, spoon-worthy delight.
- Tomato Paste
Intensifies color and umami, balancing creaminess with a slight tang and sweet undertones.
- Dried Oregano
Infuses earthy, peppery accents that evoke Mediterranean comfort food vibes.
- Dried Basil
Contributes sweet, slightly minty notes that complement tomato paste and enrich the overall flavor profile.
- Salt
Enhances natural flavors and ties all ingredients together, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned.
- Black Pepper
Adds a gentle heat and sharpness that cuts through the creaminess for a balanced taste.
- Plain Greek Yogurt
Delivers a creamy texture and tang without heavy cream—boosting protein content while keeping the sauce light.
- Parmesan Cheese
Provides savory, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce with its melty richness.
- Low-Fat Milk
Lightens the sauce and smooths out the texture, ensuring a cohesive, velvety finish.
- Fresh Parsley
Optional garnish that brings a bright, herbal pop of color and freshness just before serving.
HOW TO MAKE HIGH PROTEIN CREAMY BEEF PASTA
Learning how to pull all these flavors and textures together is easier than you think. In this section, you’ll find a step-by-step guide that walks you through cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, building the meaty base, and creating that luxurious yogurt-based sauce—all in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the sauce light.
4. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the seasonings to meld and deepen.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent curdling.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is well-coated with the creamy beef sauce.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.
8. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HIGH PROTEIN CREAMY BEEF PASTA
Serving this dish is all about enhancing its comforting vibes and making each plate look as inviting as it tastes. Whether you’re dishing it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests over the weekend, these ideas will help you elevate the presentation and flavor balance. Here are four of my favorite ways to serve High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta:
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad featuring peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add bright, refreshing contrast.
- Offer slices of warm garlic bread or crusty baguette brushed with herb-infused butter so guests can mop up every last drop of the velvety sauce.
- Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper on top right before serving to enhance the savory depth and create an irresistible melty finish.
- Add a dash of chili flakes or a swirl of pepper-infused olive oil for those who crave a gentle heat or fragrant oil accent that lifts the entire dish.
HOW TO STORE HIGH PROTEIN CREAMY BEEF PASTA
Knowing how to store leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious pasta again without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or stashing extra portions in the freezer, these methods will help maintain the sauce’s creaminess and the pasta’s firm bite:
- Airtight Containers: Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight, microwave-safe containers. This keeps air out and locks in moisture, preserving the sauce’s creaminess and preventing the pasta from drying.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Before reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its silky consistency.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra milk to rejuvenate the sauce.
- Gentle Reheat: Avoid microwaving on high power, which can separate dairy. Instead, rewarm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently for even heat distribution and smooth texture.
CONCLUSION
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a testament to how healthy ingredients can come together to create something downright indulgent yet wholesome. From the nutty chew of whole wheat pasta to the savory, tangy creaminess of our yogurt-Parmesan sauce, every element has been carefully chosen to maximize flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking a kid-approved dinner, a fitness enthusiast looking for a protein-rich meal, or someone who just loves hearty comfort food, this recipe checks all the boxes. Remember, it’s an intermediate-level dish that takes about 15 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook, and a brief 2-minute rest—perfectly balanced for a gourmet touch without endless fuss.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later use in your digital recipe box. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, cooking times, and storage tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment with your feedback, ask any questions you might have, or share your personal twists on the dish. Your experiences and suggestions help make our cooking community stronger and more creative—happy cooking!
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta combines lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a luscious yogurt sauce for a satisfying dish that's both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated with the creamy beef sauce.
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Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Note
- Using Greek yogurt gives the sauce a creamy texture without adding heavy cream.
- Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- Customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and combined with the pasta just before serving.
