Description
A delicious and creamy high-protein pasta dish featuring lean ground beef and a rich sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard, followed by beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Then stir in the Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), almond milk, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until a creamy, thick sauce forms. Add a splash of pasta water if it gets too thick.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, folding gently to coat every piece. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs all the creamy flavor.
- Top with chopped parsley and a bit more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein comfort meal.
Notes
- This dish is versatile; you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg