🥩🍝 High-Protein Creamy Beef & Pasta Skillet

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Protein & Pasta

• 300g lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 200g chickpea or lentil pasta (high-protein alternative)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Veggies (Optional but adds volume & nutrients)

• 1 cup spinach or kale
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced

Creamy Sauce

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (for high protein)
• ¼ cup low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Toppings

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella

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🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   • Boil chickpea pasta according to package instructions.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
2. Cook the beef
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
   • Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Add veggies
   • Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach (if using). Cook until softened.
4. Make creamy sauce
   • Reduce heat to low.
   • Stir in Greek yogurt, cream cheese, broth, paprika, pepper, and chili flakes.
   • Mix until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
5. Combine pasta & beef
   • Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
   • Toss everything together until pasta is coated in creamy sauce.
6. Serve
   • Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
   • Serve hot for a comforting, protein-rich meal.