Description
A quick and delicious weeknight dinner featuring creamy pasta with lean ground beef that is rich in protein.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, well drained
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for about 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking. Brown the beef completely, which will take about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the well-drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the cold beef broth until smooth. Pour it into the skillet and stir the mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add pieces of cream cheese and stir until fully melted, allowing the sauce to become smooth.
- Slowly incorporate room-temperature Greek yogurt, ensuring not to boil the mixture. Add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce turns thick, creamy, and glossy.
- Toss in the drained pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the delicious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
- Plate your creamy beef pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for an appealing presentation.
Notes
Tip: For added nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers into the dish.
