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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.