If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed without going off track on your fitness journey, this Cheesy High-Protein Beef Bowtie Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is your new best friend! Think of it as the classic creamy Velveeta pasta’s older, fitter sibling.
We’ve swapped in protein-rich chickpea pasta, lean ground beef, and added Greek yogurt for an extra creamy boost without all the fat. Plus, with melty cheddar and a savory mushroom base, you’re still getting that satisfying cheesy goodness.
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Serve it straight from the skillet and watch everyone come back for seconds (and maybe thirds). It’s cozy, indulgent, and secretly healthy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- High in protein and fiber to keep you full longer
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Family-friendly comfort food with a healthy twist
- Great for meal prep or next-day leftovers
Cheesy High-Protein Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Equipment Needed: Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, wooden spoon or spatula, strainer
Ingredients:
- 8 oz chickpea or lentil bowtie pasta (for high protein)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 90%)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds protein and creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook chickpea bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (follow package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and almond milk. Once well combined, add Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy beef mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot straight from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop.
Pro Tips:
- Add a handful of spinach or kale right before serving to sneak in extra veggies.
- Use Greek yogurt at room temperature to prevent curdling when adding to the sauce.
- Want more protein? Toss in a scoop of unflavored collagen powder or a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
- Don’t overcook chickpea pasta; it can get mushy if left too long.
Enjoy this cozy, cheesy dinner without the guilt. It’s proof that healthy and delicious can absolutely be the same thing!
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Cheesy High-Protein Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz chickpea or lentil bowtie pasta (for high protein)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 90%)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds protein and creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook chickpea bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (follow package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and almond milk. Once well combined, add Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy beef mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot straight from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Sugar: 2.8 g
- Fat: 13.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.9 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 19.4 g
