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Easy, Healthier Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

A comforting and healthier pasta dish featuring a rich, garlicky sauce and lean ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free pasta adds fiber and texture

Meat

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7) for flavor with less fat

Cooking Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning and shine
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fragrant and essential
  • 1 small onion, finely diced sweetness and depth
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth builds the sauce without extra salt
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt creamy tang without heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast cheesy flavor, dairy-free option available
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard brightens the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning comforting herb notes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley and lemon zest, for finishing

Instructions
 

Cooking Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Preparing the Sauce

  • While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Pour in the broth and Dijon mustard, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to concentrate flavor.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan (or nutritional yeast) until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it glides.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be creamy, glossy, and flecked with herbs.

Combining and Serving

  • Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, coating each strand in the garlicky cream.
  • Finish with a shower of parsley and a pinch of lemon zest for brightness. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a healthier option, use plant-based meat and coconut yogurt. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Beef Pasta, Healthy Dinner, Quick Recipe