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- 300g whole grain pasta - 250g lean ground beef - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth - 1 cup chopped spinach - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish This recipe shines with high-protein ingredients. The lean ground beef gives you a strong protein source. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and more protein. Whole grain pasta brings fiber and sustenance. Together, they create a filling meal. Each serving gives you about 30 grams of protein. This amount helps with muscle repair and keeps you full. The whole dish has around 500 calories. It offers healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, especially from spinach. Plus, you get calcium from the cheese and yogurt, supporting bone health. This meal is not just tasty; it fuels your day! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 300g of whole grain pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Cooking pasta to al dente helps it hold its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. In a large skillet, pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This step builds a strong flavor base for your dish. Now, add 250g of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it is cooked through and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, tilt the skillet and drain it out. Browning the beef adds depth and richness to the flavor of your creamy beef pasta. Next, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste. Add the spinach just after the beef is browned. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts. This step adds nutrition and bright color to your dish. Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. Mix in 1 cup of Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency. A creamy sauce makes the dish rich and satisfying. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Make sure each piece is covered in the creamy goodness. After mixing, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines smoothly. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This final touch enhances the dish's flavor and adds a lovely cheesy finish. To prevent pasta from sticking, add a bit of salt to the boiling water. This helps flavor the pasta and keeps it separate. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This simple action stops it from clumping together. When you drain the pasta, avoid rinsing it. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. For seasoning, I suggest tasting as you cook. Start with salt and pepper. After adding the beef, taste again. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. You can also use fresh herbs for extra flavor. For lower-calorie substitutes, try using whole grain pasta. It has more fiber than regular pasta. You can also swap Greek yogurt with low-fat or non-fat versions. This keeps the creaminess while cutting some calories. If you need dairy-free options, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. This will give you a creamy texture without the dairy. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the calories. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These herbs add freshness and depth. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat. Pair this pasta with vegetables for extra nutrition. Roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli work well. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. These additions create a balanced and tasty meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality beef will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. Always opt for fresh whenever possible! Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to substitute whole grain pasta with your favorite type, such as gluten-free or chickpea pasta, to fit your dietary preferences. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, increase the amount of Greek yogurt or add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy! {{image_2}} You can switch out the beef for chicken or turkey. These meats cook quickly and stay juicy. Just use the same amount as you would for beef. Ground turkey or chicken adds a lighter taste. This change makes a great meal, especially if you're watching fat intake. You can also try plant-based proteins. Lentils, chickpeas, or tofu work well. These options add fiber and nutrients. For a more meaty texture, use tempeh. Simply brown it the same way you would with beef. For those who need gluten-free options, try gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or quinoa. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Just make sure to check the cooking times. If you're looking for vegetarian or vegan options, skip the meat entirely. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. This keeps the creaminess while staying dairy-free. Experimenting with cheese can elevate your dish. Try using mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese. Each type brings its own flavor. This allows you to tailor the dish to your taste. You can also swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese. Both options add creaminess and tang. Sour cream gives a nice bite, while cream cheese adds richness. Adjust the amount based on how creamy you want the sauce to be. To keep your creamy beef pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying and odor from other foods. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, aim to keep the pasta creamy. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to help with moisture. Heat it on low, stirring often. This method keeps the texture nice. Avoid using high heat to prevent drying out. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When you want to eat it, take it out a day before and thaw it in the fridge. Heat it gently, adding a bit of broth for creaminess. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Whole grain pasta is best for protein. You can try penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce differently. For a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa pasta. Remember, cooking time may change based on the pasta type. This recipe works great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it. Divide the pasta into containers for easy lunches. Just reheat it in the microwave. To keep it fresh, store the sauce and pasta separately if you can. This way, the pasta stays firm. To add heat, try these options: - Mix in red pepper flakes while cooking. - Add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Stir in some hot sauce to taste. - Use spicy sausage instead of beef for flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Pair this pasta with simple sides for balance. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon dressing. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for crunch. - Garlic bread for a hearty touch. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor. These sides complement the creamy beef and enhance your meal. This blog post covered a delicious pasta recipe, highlighting top ingredients, cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to create a flavorful dish while considering healthier changes and variations. Don't be afraid to experiment with different proteins and spices to match your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly, so you can enjoy them later. Overall, this recipe is versatile, tasty, and easy to make. I hope you feel inspired to give it a try!

Power-Packed Creamy Beef Pasta

A nutritious and creamy pasta dish packed with lean beef and spinach, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g whole grain pasta
  • 250 g lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the beef broth, then mix in the Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and visuals.

Notes

Serve in large bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a dash of cracked black pepper. Add a side of crusty whole grain bread for a complete meal!
Keyword beef, creamy, healthy, pasta, quick meal