A Brief History of Creamy Pasta Dishes
Creamy pasta dishes have their roots in Italian cuisine, where simple ingredients like cream, butter, cheese, and pasta were combined to create comforting meals. While traditional Italian recipes such as Alfredo and Carbonara rely on cheese and eggs, the American adaptation often adds heavy cream for richness. Over time, cooks began blending ground meats with creamy sauces for a protein boost, giving rise to variations like creamy beef pasta—an affordable, hearty dish that became a weeknight staple worldwide.
High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and filling. Perfect for fall and winter evenings, it’s a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love. With its high-protein content, it not only satisfies cravings but also fuels your body, making it a healthier spin on classic creamy pasta.
Ingredients
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12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in beef broth and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Reduce heat to low, stir in Greek yogurt and parmesan until creamy.
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Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in sauce.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap Greek yogurt with light cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
Make it spicy by adding red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and beef sauce separately, then combine just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and keeps it creamy.
2. How can I make this dish even healthier?
Use whole grain or lentil pasta for extra fiber and nutrients. Swapping in ground turkey or chicken also reduces fat while keeping the protein high.
3. Can I freeze creamy beef pasta?
Absolutely. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.
