Description
A comforting, high-protein beef pasta dish that balances nutrition and flavor, perfect for a cozy autumn evening.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup low-fat cream or plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Brown: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Sauté: Push the beef to one side, add the chopped onion, and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add: Stir in cherry tomatoes and pour in the broth. Simmer for 4–5 minutes so flavors meld and tomatoes soften.
- Make: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream or Greek yogurt and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss until pasta is fully coated, spinach is wilted, and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy your Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta with a simple green salad or warm bread.
Notes
Use lean beef to keep the sauce silky. Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian