Go Back
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish The ingredients for this creamy high-protein beef pasta dish are simple yet effective. Whole wheat pasta gives you fiber and makes it filling. Lean ground beef brings in the protein you need. The creamy sauce comes from low-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. This combo keeps the dish rich without adding too many calories. When it comes to seasoning, Italian seasoning adds a classic flavor to the dish. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes not only add color but also provide nutrients. Olive oil and garlic bring out the best in the beef and veggies, giving a rich, savory taste. Feel free to play around with the ingredients. You can swap the pasta type or even use ground turkey for a lighter option. The key is to keep it nutritious while making it enjoyable. To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key for great pasta. Once boiling, add 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Look for the pasta to be al dente; it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells nice, but don't let it burn. Next, add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it. After that, stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese and 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to this mix. Stir until it is smooth and well blended. Don't forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish special. Now, add the drained pasta into the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the creamy sauce over everything. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated well with the sauce. Allow this to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to ensure everything is warmed through and mixed well. To make your creamy high-protein beef pasta even tastier, consider these tips: - Seasoning Adjustments: If you want more flavor, add extra Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also sprinkle in a little salt and black pepper to taste. This makes every bite pop. - Enhancing Creaminess: To make the dish creamier without adding calories, increase the Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both add creaminess and protein without extra fat. Using the right tools helps you cook better: - Recommended Skillet: A large non-stick skillet works best. It helps prevent sticking and makes browning the beef easier. - Browning Beef Properly: When browning the beef, break it into smaller pieces. This helps it cook evenly and develop a nice brown color. Avoid stirring too often; let it sear for a few minutes for best results. Serving your dish well makes it more appealing: - Presentation Ideas: Serve in deep bowls for a cozy look. Top with extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for color. This makes the dish pop on the table. - Pairing with Side Dishes: This pasta pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is refreshing and balances the creamy pasta. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish to fit your needs. If you want to use chicken or turkey, choose lean ground options. Cook them the same way you would the beef. This keeps the dish tasty and healthy. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using lentils or chickpeas. They add great protein and fiber. You can also use tofu for a plant-based choice. There are many pasta types you can use for this recipe. Whole grain pasta is a great choice. It has more fiber than regular pasta. You can try penne, fusilli, or any shape you love. If you need gluten-free options, look for pasta made from rice or quinoa. These choices cook well and taste great. You can make the sauce even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. They add color and nutrition. For a dairy-free version, swap the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt. It gives a creamy texture without dairy. Just check the flavor to make sure it fits your taste! To store your creamy high-protein beef pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. When stored properly, it lasts up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide the pasta into portions for easy meals. Label each container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored. To reheat, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Avoid high heat, as it can make the pasta dry. Enjoy your delicious meal later! Yes, you can prepare this creamy high-protein beef pasta ahead of time. To do this, cook the pasta and mix the beef and sauce as directed. - Storage: Let the dish cool completely. Place the pasta in an airtight container. - Refrigeration: Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You can easily boost the protein in this dish. Here are some great ideas: - Add Beans: Mix in black beans or chickpeas for extra protein. - Use Extra Beef: Increase the amount of lean ground beef to 1.5 pounds. - Include Eggs: Stir in scrambled eggs for added protein. - Cheese Options: Use higher-protein cheese like ricotta or add more Greek yogurt. Yes, this creamy high-protein beef pasta is excellent for meal prep. Here are some best practices: - Portion Sizes: Divide the dish into single servings for easy grab-and-go meals. - Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the pasta fresh. - Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir well to combine flavors. This blog post covered a tasty dish made with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and creamy sauce. We went through each step, from cooking pasta to mixing in fresh veggies. I shared tips to boost flavor and texture, plus variations for protein and pasta types. By following these steps, you can enjoy a healthy meal that suits your needs. Remember, cooking is about exploring flavors, so don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or techniques. With practice, you’ll make this dish your own!

Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta

Discover a delicious and nutritious twist on pasta with this creamy high-protein beef pasta recipe! Loaded with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a rich sauce made from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Click through to find out how to whip up this flavorful meal that will please the whole family!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Brown the Beef: Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

        Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

          Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and evenly blended. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and gently toss all the ingredients until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.

              Heat Through: Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure everything is combined well and heated through.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For a visually appealing dish, serve in deep bowls, garnishing each plate with extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.