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Creamy Beef Pasta: The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Meal

Creamy Beef Pasta: The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Meal

This satisfying meal combines lean protein with a velvety, guilt-free sauce for the ultimate weeknight comfort. It is a nutritious spin on classic comfort food that keeps you full without the heavy cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 225 g penne pasta al dente
  • 450 g lean ground beef browned
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste concentrated
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 0.75 cup plain Greek yogurt room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until it reaches an al dente texture.
  2. Drain the pasta carefully while making sure to reserve at least half a cup of the starchy pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until no pink remains.
  4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for two minutes to caramelize the sugars and deepen the base flavor.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture for five minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  7. Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the Greek yogurt and shredded cheese until the sauce is completely smooth.
  8. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure every noodle is coated in sauce.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to your preference and garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

To prevent the Greek yogurt from curdling, ensure the skillet is on low heat and the yogurt is at room temperature before stirring it into the beef mixture. If the sauce becomes too thick while sitting, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to restore the silky, creamy consistency. This dish stores well in an airtight container for up to three days, making it an excellent choice for high-protein meal prep.