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High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta 21.png

High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta

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๐Ÿ๐Ÿฅฉ Fuel up with creamy beef and shells high-protein pasta โ€“ 41g protein per serving in comforting, cheesy one-pot bliss!
๐Ÿ๐Ÿฅ› Quick 35-minute family dinner, Greek yogurt for creaminess without heavy cream.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef or turkey

– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup onions

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 6 ounces shells pasta

– 3 cups broth

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

– 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

1-First Step: Cook the beef or turkey Set a large skillet, sautรฉ pan, or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef or turkey and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it is fully done and no longer pink. If there is extra fat in the pan, drain it off carefully.

2-Second Step: Season the meat Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup onions, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir until the onions soften and become fragrant.

3-Third Step: Build the sauce and add the pasta Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then add 6 ounces shells pasta, 3 cups broth, and the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir well so the pasta is mostly submerged. If needed, add a splash more broth or water so the shells can cook evenly.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer until the shells are tender Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir every 4 to 5 minutes so the bottom does not scorch. Check the pasta near the end of cooking. It should be tender, but still have a slight bite.

5-Fifth Step: Add cheese and spinach When the shells are soft, remove the lid and stir in 2 cups grated cheddar cheese and 2 cups fresh spinach. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts into the pasta.

6-Final Step: Finish with Greek yogurt and serve Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then stir in 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt. Cooling first matters because it helps keep the yogurt smooth and prevents curdling. Full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt works best if you want a creamier texture.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿ”ฅ Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to prevent overflow during simmering.
๐ŸงŠ Add Greek yogurt only after cooling to avoid curdling โ€“ use full-fat for best creaminess.
๐Ÿ”„ Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to restore sauciness.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
  • Calories: 545 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg