Description
A comforting and nutritious creamy pasta dish packed with lean protein from ground beef, combined with a rich sauce for a delightful meal.
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 to room temperature
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
- 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
Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.