Description
A hearty and satisfying creamy beef pasta packed with protein, combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce for a comforting and balanced weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until tender.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors combine.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Greek yogurt until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Mix in cottage cheese or use high-protein pasta to increase protein content.
- Red chili flakes can be added for a bit of heat.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
