Quick & Hearty High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for Weeknight Wins

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both hearty and quick, this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is the answer. Packed with lean beef, protein-rich pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, this satisfying dish brings together comfort and nutrition—making it a winner for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike.

Why This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe Shines

This recipe stands out with its harmonious blend of succulent beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky, protein-enhanced sauce. Whether you’re aiming to hit your nutrition goals or simply craving a comforting meal that comes together in a flash, this pasta will not disappoint. Its high protein content keeps you feeling fuller longer, making it a smart choice for vegetarians and active families.

Building Creaminess and Protein

The signature creaminess in this dish comes from a combination of Greek yogurt and a touch of cream cheese—both excellent sources of protein. Using lean ground beef boosts the protein while keeping the dish lower in fat. For pasta, selecting a lentil or chickpea-based option increases the protein punch even further. The sauce is finished with parmesan for flavor depth, while fresh herbs add brightness and balance.

Effortless Preparation and Assembly

This recipe is all about simplicity: brown the beef, create the sauce in the same pan, and toss in the cooked high-protein pasta. Everything comes together seamlessly in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for when time is tight but you still want a homemade, nourishing meal.

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Garnish with a sprinkling of extra parmesan, fresh chopped parsley, or a twist of freshly ground black pepper. Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, family-friendly meal. This dish holds up well for leftovers, making it great for next-day lunches as well.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains about 35–40 grams of protein, making it ideal for those seeking muscle-friendly meals or balanced post-workout dinners. Calories and macros will vary based on your chosen pasta and dairy substitutions.

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe (Recap)

Enjoy the irresistible combination of rich, creamy sauce and tender beef in this weeknight staple. Its high protein content and quick prep make it a standout for those seeking easy, wholesome, and delicious meals.

Ingredients

8 ounces high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, 2% or 0%)
3 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and easy weeknight meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the beef broth and reduce heat to medium-low. Add Greek yogurt and cream cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in half of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle in grated parmesan and mix. Add additional reserved pasta water if a thinner sauce is desired.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra parmesan, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This beef pasta recipe is perfect for weekly planning and batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe to generate a dynamic shopping list that combines ingredients from all your planned meals—saving you time and eliminating forgotten groceries.

Planning Benefits:

  • Accurately tallies total ingredient needs across multiple dishes
  • Consolidates your shopping list by store section for faster grocery runs
  • Helps eliminate duplicates and food waste
  • Turns weeknight dinners into an organized, stress-free routine

Pro tip: If you’re cooking for the week, schedule multiple recipes to see which ingredients overlap (e.g., onions, fresh herbs, or cheese) and only shop for what you actually need.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Enjoy your protein-packed creamy beef pasta—delicious, nourishing, and ready in no time!

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