Creamy Beef Pasta
This Creamy Beef Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a savory and creamy ground beef sauce made from Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. A hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Pasta
For the Beef Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For Garnish
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the low-sodium beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Creamy Elements: Lower the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy beef mixture and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy beef pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dish lighter than traditional cream or sour cream.
- Be careful when adding Greek yogurt to avoid curdling; keep the heat low during this step.
- Feel free to substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, ground beef pasta, easy beef pasta recipe, Greek yogurt pasta sauce, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish