This delectable dish combines the vibrant flavors of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and savory ground beef, all tossed together with Barilla Protein Penne for a satisfying and protein-rich meal. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of tanginess, garlic goodness, and comforting pasta texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a journey to create a tantalizing Lemon Garlic Beef Pasta that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Lemon Garlic Beef Pasta
This bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Beef Pasta is a delightful combination of zesty lemon, savory beef, and al dente pasta. It's a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz Barilla protein penne
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon
- ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh parsley (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Push the ground beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine the ground beef and garlic, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the lemon garlic beef mixture.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to incorporate the cheese.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
NOTES
** Servings and Macros will vary **
Nutrition
Calories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 36gFat: 14gFiber: 5g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

I made this with ground turkey instead and added some Italian seasoning and it was so good!
Hey Carolyn,
That’s a great idea!
How much lemon zest and juice?
Hi Leslie,
We would recommend starting with 1/2 – 1 and then adding if you want more flavor. Everyone’s preference will be different 🙂