Healthy High-Protein Shredded Steak Pasta (Slow Cooker Rigatoni)

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1.5.2026

This Healthy High-Protein Shredded Steak Pasta is comfort food done smarter. A chuck roast slow-cooks until fall-apart tender in a smoky tomato sauce, then gets finished with rigatoni and a protein-boosted creamy blend of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and parmesan.

The result is a rich, satisfying pasta dish that feels indulgent—but uses balanced ingredients to keep it nourishing, filling, and perfect for meal prep.

Why This Pasta Works

High-protein from shredded steak, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and parmesan
No heavy cream—creaminess comes from protein-rich dairy
Slow-cooked steak for flavor without added fats
Great for leftovers and reheating
Mostly hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker

Ingredients

Shredded Steak & Sauce

32 oz chuck roast
8 cloves garlic
28 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp chipotle powder
2 tsp soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1½ tbsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
Black pepper, to taste

Pasta & Creamy Protein Finish

1 box rigatoni
300 g plain Greek yogurt
60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
60 g cottage cheese, blended smooth
240 ml milk

Instructions

1. Blend the Sauce

Add the garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, chipotle powder, soy sauce, honey, salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. Slow Cook the Steak

Place the chuck roast in the crock pot and pour the blended sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the meat is tender.

3. Remove & Shred the Steak

At the end of 6 hours, remove the chuck roast and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.

4. Return Steak to the Pot

Add the shredded steak back into the crock pot and stir it into the sauce.

5. Partially Cook the Pasta

Cook the rigatoni for about half the time listed on the package. Drain and set aside.

6. Add the Protein-Rich Creamy Finish

Add the partially cooked pasta, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, blended cottage cheese, and milk to the crock pot. Stir until fully combined.

7. Finish Cooking

Turn the crock pot to high and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Make It Count Tips

Want even more protein? Use high-protein pasta.
Meal prep approved: Stores well for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
Control spice: Chipotle powder adds heat—adjust as needed.
Balance the plate: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies.

Make It Count Kitchen