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- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta - 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean) - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for sprinkling) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish For this High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta, I love using whole wheat pasta. It adds a nice texture and more fiber. Lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty without too much fat. The low-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt give us that creamy sauce we crave, while also boosting the protein. Using low-sodium beef broth keeps the flavor rich without too much salt. I sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil. This step adds a great flavor base. Italian seasoning brings all the tastes together. Salt and pepper are key for balance. Finally, I like to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Fresh parsley makes the dish colorful and fresh. This combination of ingredients makes a quick and easy meal that is also high in protein. It’s simple to gather everything for a delicious pasta dish you can enjoy any day of the week! Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. This salt will help flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it looks soft. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will create a lovely aroma. Now, it’s time to add the lean ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in one cup of beef broth and stir well. Now, add one cup of low-fat cottage cheese and one cup of Greek yogurt. Mix everything together until it’s smooth. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the sauce creamy. Once the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning, if needed. You want it to be just right for your palate. Now, your high-protein creamy beef pasta is ready to enjoy! To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, start with plenty of salted water. This adds flavor right from the start. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and stir gently. Cook according to package instructions, aiming for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the cooking water. This can help adjust the sauce later. To achieve the right creaminess in your sauce, first keep the heat low when adding your ingredients. The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt should blend smoothly. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. If the sauce is too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This keeps everything creamy and delightful. For visual appeal, serve the creamy beef pasta in deep bowls. The sauce clings to the pasta, making it look rich and inviting. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of class. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving for an elegant finish. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread. These sides complement the creamy pasta. They also make your meal more filling and balanced. To include additional protein sources in your dish, consider adding beans or lentils. These ingredients blend well with the sauce and boost nutrition. You can also top your pasta with chopped nuts for added texture and protein. To make this meal even healthier, use low-sodium beef broth, which cuts down on salt. You can also swap out some ground beef for finely diced vegetables. This not only adds fiber but also enhances the flavors in your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options keep the meal lean and tasty. They also offer a different flavor profile that can be nice. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber while keeping the dish rich and filling. If you're looking for dairy-free options, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream. These will keep the sauce creamy without dairy. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the sauce. This adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients. While whole wheat pasta is a great choice, you can try other types like penne or rotini. Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, giving you a new experience. For gluten-free options, use rice or chickpea pasta. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. Always cool the pasta dish before storing. Place the creamy beef pasta in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. To keep the pasta creamy, reheat it gently. Use the stove over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help restore creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. You can freeze the creamy beef pasta for later use. Divide it into portions and place in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best texture. To boost protein, consider adding these ingredients: - Chopped chicken breast: Lean and packed with protein. - Tofu or tempeh: Great for a plant-based option. - Beans or lentils: They mix well and add fiber too. - Protein powder: Stir in a scoop of unflavored protein for a quick fix. Using these options can make your dish more filling and nutritious. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Here are some points to think about: - Flavor: Regular pasta may be milder in taste. - Texture: Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. - Nutritional value: Whole wheat pasta has more fiber and protein. If you prefer regular pasta, just know you might miss out on some nutrients. If you have dietary restrictions, try these alternatives: - Ricotta cheese: Similar texture and taste, but richer. - Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and more protein. - Silken tofu: Blends smoothly for a vegan option. These swaps help maintain creaminess while catering to your needs. To check pasta for doneness, look for these signs: - Texture: It should be firm but not hard. - Bite: When you bite, it should have a slight chew. - Color: It should be a light yellow, not cloudy. If you see these, your pasta is ready to be drained and tossed into the sauce! This blog post guides you through making a delicious and healthy pasta dish. We covered key ingredients like whole wheat pasta and lean ground beef. I detailed the step-by-step cooking process and shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can explore variations based on your needs, plus smart storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking can be flexible. Enjoy personalizing this dish while keeping it healthy and tasty! Now, get cooking and savor your creation!

High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of this high-protein creamy beef pasta that's simple to make and packed with nutrition! With lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a creamy sauce made from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this dish is a wholesome dinner option for the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces whole wheat pasta (your choice)

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for sprinkling)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

      Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes).

        Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add beef broth to the pan and stir in the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until creamy and heated through.

          Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

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

                Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy beef pasta in deep bowls, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for an elegant touch.