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High protein beef pasta with creamy tomato sauce, browned beef, vegetables, and short pasta in a bowl

High Protein Beef Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

High Protein Beef Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a hearty, creamy pasta dish with savory beef and a rich tomato flavor. It is an easy, comforting choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz / 225 g (227 g) chickpea or lentil pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15 oz / 425 g (425 g) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the chickpea or lentil pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  3. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, then add the garlic, oregano, and paprika and cook briefly until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Mix the tomato paste into the beef and vegetables and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and blend in the Greek yogurt. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Add the drained pasta and toss until thoroughly coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt and black pepper before serving.

Notes

Add the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce while keeping it from becoming too thin.