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- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (any shape you prefer) - 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean for a healthier option) - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for optional topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this high-protein creamy beef pasta, you will use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Lean ground beef helps keep the dish healthy while still providing plenty of protein. Low-fat cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt create a creamy texture without too many calories. You can also add low-sodium beef broth for flavor. Olive oil helps cook the onions and garlic evenly. Chopped onion and minced garlic form a solid base for the dish. Don't forget to season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring out all the flavors. Optional toppings like grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley can elevate your meal. This combination of ingredients makes a delicious and wholesome meal that you can whip up in no time. Enjoy your cooking! To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This salt boosts the pasta’s flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Now, add your whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a spacious skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. After that, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute until it smells great. This step builds a solid flavor base. Now, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning blend. Cook, stirring and breaking the beef apart, until it’s fully browned. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is cooked through for safety. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in one cup of low-sodium beef broth. Now, it’s time to add the creamy elements: one cup of low-fat cottage cheese and one cup of plain Greek yogurt. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. You want the sauce to be creamy and heated through. It should have a smooth texture. Now, carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. Make sure every piece is well coated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it perfect. - To ensure your pasta is al dente, boil it until it has a slight bite. Follow the cooking time on the package but check a minute early. This way, your pasta won’t become mushy. - Browning ground beef effectively makes your dish rich in flavor. Use medium-high heat and let the beef sit for a bit before stirring. This helps it brown nicely. - Fresh herbs can really lift your dish. Try adding chopped parsley or basil at the end. They add bright flavors and make your dish look nice. - If you want an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Spice can enhance the creamy sauce and make it exciting. - For high-protein alternatives, you can swap ground beef with turkey or chicken. These options lower fat while keeping protein high. - To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and limit added salt. This keeps your dish flavorful without too much salt. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These options are lean and still pack a protein punch. If you're feeling adventurous, swap in lentils for a plant-based twist. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber. Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for color. You can sauté these veggies with the onion and garlic. This step adds flavor and texture to your creamy beef pasta. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty choices that work well in this recipe. Just follow the cooking time on the package. For a dairy-free version, swap the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt. These options keep the creamy texture while catering to dietary needs. Be sure to check labels for added sugars and other ingredients. Changing the seasoning can make a big difference. Instead of Italian seasoning, try a taco spice blend for a fun twist. This adds a new flavor dimension to the dish. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Mixing in hot sauce can also give your creamy beef pasta a spicy kick. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor. After enjoying your meal, let the pasta cool down. This step keeps it safe. Place it in a container. I recommend using an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water. This will help keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. Overcooking can make the sauce dry. Heat until warm, but not bubbling. You can freeze portions for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for the food to expand. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat slowly in a skillet for the best taste. High-protein beef pasta is a dish that combines pasta with lean ground beef and creamy ingredients. It offers a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. This dish helps build muscle and keeps you full longer. By using lean beef and whole wheat pasta, you get a meal that's both filling and nutritious. The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt add creaminess while boosting protein content. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Options include gluten-free pasta, zoodles, or even chickpea pasta. Cooking times might change a bit. Always check the package instructions to ensure perfect texture. If you pick a thinner pasta, reduce the cooking time. For zoodles, just sauté until tender for a lighter option. You can lower the calories by making a few swaps. Use less beef or a leaner cut, like ground turkey. Replace some cottage cheese with more Greek yogurt. You can also cut back on the cheese topping. Another tip is to use less oil when cooking. Adding more veggies can help make the dish lighter without losing flavor. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and beef mixture separately and store them in the fridge. You can mix them right before serving. This can help save time on busy days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool it first. When ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This blog explores how to make a tasty high-protein beef pasta dish. We covered main ingredients like whole wheat pasta and low-fat cottage cheese. Next, I shared step-by-step cooking methods and gave tips for seasoning and storage. Finally, we discussed variations for your taste and dietary needs. With these insights, you can create a healthy meal that suits your style. Enjoy cooking and personalize this dish to fit your cravings!

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Craving a hearty and healthy meal? Discover this high-protein creamy beef pasta recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Made with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a rich sauce featuring cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking with this easy, satisfying meal that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces whole wheat pasta (any shape you prefer)

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean for a healthier option)

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 cup low-sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for optional topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Don't forget to add a good amount of salt to the water for flavor. Toss in the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Beef: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Cook the Ground Beef: Introduce the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring and breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until the meat is evenly browned and fully cooked, roughly 5-7 minutes.

        Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in the beef broth and incorporate the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into the mixture. Stir thoroughly, allowing it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

          Combine: Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet, using tongs or a large spoon to toss the pasta with the creamy beef sauce until every piece is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the delicious creamy beef pasta hot, offering a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.

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

                Presentation Tips: Dish out the creamy beef pasta into deep bowls, ensuring a generous portion. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top. A light drizzle of olive oil can elevate the dish, making it visually appealing and adding a hint of flavor.