High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta
Tender pasta swirled in a luxuriously creamy sauce, loaded with savory ground beef and sneaky protein boosts. 45g protein per serving, gluten-free adaptable, and ready in 30 minutes. Meal prep-friendly and picky-eater approved!
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g lean ground beef (90/10)
- 12 oz 340g high-protein pasta (e.g., Barilla Protein+ or Banza chickpea pasta)
- 1 cup 240g full-fat Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1 cup 240ml low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups 60g fresh baby spinach
- Salt + black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add beef, breaking into crumbles. Cook until browned (5-6 mins). Drain excess fat.
- Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft (3 mins).
- Stir in smoked paprika and beef broth. Simmer 5 mins.
- Remove skillet from heat. Let cool 1-2 mins, then whisk in Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Combine
- Toss pasta, beef, and sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Fold in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve
- Top with Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.