1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Achieving Al Dente Perfection

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water.
3. Cook According to Package: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, until it’s al dente – cooked through but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for penne.
4. Drain: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set it aside.
   • Tip: Do not rinse the pasta. The starchy coating will help the sauce adhere to the noodles.

2. Brown the Beef: Building a Flavorful Base

1. Heat Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent.
3. Add Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Cook Until Browned: Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Drain Fat (Optional): If you’re using a higher-fat ground beef, you may want to drain off any excess grease at this point.

3. Create the Sauce: A Rich and Flavorful Blend

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the low-sodium beef broth, and the Italian seasoning.
2. Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Incorporate Greek Yogurt and Parmesan: Adding Creaminess and Tang

1. Reduce Heat: Reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in Yogurt and Cheese: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until they are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Bringing it All Together

1. Add Pasta: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce.
2. Toss to Coat: Toss the pasta gently to ensure it’s evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Heat Through: Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve and Garnish: The Finishing Touches

1. Garnish: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.