Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Satisfying creamy pasta packed with beef, Greek yogurt, and cheese for a quick, filling dinner.
# Ingredients List:
→ Pasta and Beef
01 -
1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 -
12 ounces dry pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or shells
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 bell pepper, diced
06 -
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
→ Creamy Sauce
07 -
1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat preferred
08 -
1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
09 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
11 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 -
1 cup beef broth
13 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
14 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
15 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
17 -
Red pepper flakes, optional
→ Finishing Touches
18 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
19 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, optional
20 -
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 -
Add diced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
04 -
Stir in drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 2–3 minutes until combined.
05 -
Pour in beef broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
06 -
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan until well combined.
07 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir the creamy mixture into the beef and vegetable mixture until fully blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
09 -
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let stand for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
# Extra Information:
01 -
For an even creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water when combining sauce and pasta.