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High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and purposeful. It delivers everything you crave from a creamy pasta—rich texture, savory depth, and satisfying bites—while also packing in enough protein to keep you full and energized. This is not just comfort food; it’s comfort food that works for real life.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how quick and practical it is. In under 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, homemade meal on the table that tastes like something slow-cooked and indulgent. Tender ground beef is simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a dish that’s cohesive, cozy, and deeply satisfying from the first forkful to the last.

This recipe is designed for busy schedules and hungry households. It uses familiar ingredients, straightforward techniques, and one main pan—making it ideal for weeknights when time is limited but expectations are still high. The balance of protein, carbs, and creamy sauce makes it filling without feeling heavy, and comforting without being overly rich.

If you’re looking for a reliable dinner that hits all the right notes—easy, nourishing, and full of flavor—this high-protein creamy beef pasta delivers exactly that. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple, because it checks every box: fast, filling, and genuinely satisfying.

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta (Quick Weeknight Dinner)

This high-protein creamy beef pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight meal made with lean ground beef, pasta, and a rich, protein-packed creamy sauce. Filling, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American / Italian-InspiredKeyword: High-Protein Creamy Beef PastaServings: 4

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Creamy High-Protein Sauce
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or 2%
  • ½ cup beef broth or pasta water
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese optional, for extra richness
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Spinach mushrooms, or zucchini
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
  4. Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Lower heat and add Greek yogurt, broth (or pasta water), and cream cheese if using. Stir until smooth.
  6. Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Final Thoughts

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and practicality. It satisfies cravings for rich, creamy pasta while delivering the protein needed to keep you full and fueled. It’s a recipe that understands modern cooking—fast, efficient, nourishing, and genuinely delicious.

What makes this dish truly special is its reliability. It comes together easily, uses familiar ingredients, and consistently delivers bold, comforting flavor without unnecessary steps. Whether you’re cooking after a long day, feeding a hungry family, or prepping meals ahead of time, this pasta fits seamlessly into your routine.

Once you add it to your rotation, it quickly becomes a go-to favorite. Cozy, filling, and endlessly adaptable, this high-protein creamy beef pasta proves that comfort food can be both satisfying and smart—exactly the kind of recipe every home cook needs.