Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta

$- 8 oz whole wheat pasta - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil for garnish To make my creamy high-protein beef pasta, you need these key ingredients. Whole wheat pasta gives you fiber and keeps you full. Lean ground beef is a great protein source. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt add creaminess without too much fat. For flavor and color, you need spinach and cherry tomatoes. Garlic adds a nice kick, while Italian seasoning brings out the best in your dish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Finally, you’ll need olive oil for cooking and fresh basil for a pop of color. With these ingredients, you can create a healthy and satisfying meal in no time. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add your 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook according to the package time, usually around 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but firm. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Now, add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns brown. If there is too much fat, drain it. Once the beef is browned, it’s time for veggies! Add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt down. While that cooks, make the creamy sauce. In a bowl, mix 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Now, it’s time to combine! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to mix well. Remove from heat and serve in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil for a lovely touch. To get the perfect creamy texture, you may need to adjust the sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will help loosen it without losing flavor. If it is too thin, let it cook a bit longer to thicken up. For cheeses, I recommend using low-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. These provide creaminess while keeping the dish light. Make sure to blend them well to avoid lumps. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a nice touch too. Always taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Balancing flavors is key for a delicious meal. When serving, use deep bowls. This helps keep the pasta warm and makes it look appealing. Sprinkle extra cherry tomatoes on top for color. Fresh basil adds a nice touch and a burst of flavor. A well-served dish makes every meal special. {{image_2}} You can swap the beef for turkey or chicken. This change keeps the dish light and tasty. Lean ground turkey or chicken works well. It still gives you that protein punch. If you're looking for vegetarian options, try using legumes like lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber, making your meal more filling. There are many pasta choices for this dish. If you need gluten-free options, consider brown rice or chickpea pasta. These alternatives still taste great while keeping the dish gluten-free. Whole grain pasta is a good choice too. It has more fiber than regular pasta and can help you feel full longer. You can add more veggies for a nutrition boost. Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini will add color and flavor. Seasonal veggies, like asparagus in spring or squash in fall, can make your dish fresh and exciting. Mixing in these veggies not only enhances taste but also adds nutrients to your meal. To keep your creamy high-protein beef pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps prevent sogginess. You can enjoy leftovers for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save your creamy beef pasta for later, freezing works well. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. Your pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To store it, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet. Stir it gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can boost the protein in this dish easily. Try adding cooked lentils or chickpeas. They add texture and protein without changing the flavor much. You can also use higher protein pasta. Look for options made from chickpeas or lentils. Lastly, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. This recipe works great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and divide it into meal containers. Store the portions in the fridge or freezer. When you need a meal, just grab a container. Reheat as needed. This makes it easy to enjoy healthy dinners all week long. This creamy beef pasta recipe combines whole wheat pasta, lean beef, and healthy veggies. You learned how to cook the pasta, sauté the beef, and create a smooth sauce. I shared tips to enhance flavors and present your dish nicely. You can also explore variations with different proteins or veggies. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers easily. Try this recipe for a tasty, balanced meal that fits your lifestyle. Happy cooking!$

Savor the flavors of this creamy high-protein beef pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes! Packed with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a delightful mix of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Ideal for a quick meal with family or friends, it's easy to make and sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

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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 spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, season with salt, and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach is wilted (about 2-3 minutes).

Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the creamy mixture over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.

Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring gently to combine everything well.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls, sprinkling extra cherry tomatoes and basil on top for a colorful and appetizing look.