High Protein Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
Satisfy your cravings while fueling your body with this High Protein Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce, a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or post-workout meals. Featuring high-protein penne pasta and lean ground beef, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of wholesome carbs and protein to keep you energized and satisfied. The rich, robust meat sauce is elevated with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, creating a mouthwatering Italian-inspired flavor profile. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil, this dish isn’t just nutritious—it’s irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 50 minutes, this high-protein pasta recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal packed with bold flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces high-protein penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet before returning it to the heat.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the meat sauce.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.7 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 988 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 51.3 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 738 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
