Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

This Pesto Beef Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner! Imagine tender pasta tossed with a rich and savory beef sauce, infused with the fresh flavors of homemade pesto. This recipe is simple to make and ready in just 35 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of fresh basil pesto, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce creates a delicious and aromatic dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the pasta shape, use different types of ground meat, or add your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Homemade Pesto: Making your own pesto is easy and adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, or fusilli.
• Onion: Finely chopped and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty and savory element to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat (adjust to your preference).

For the Pesto

• Fresh basil leaves: The base of the pesto, providing a fresh and vibrant flavor.
• Pine nuts: Adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the pesto.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent kick to the pesto.
• Olive oil: Creates a smooth and emulsified pesto.
• Salt and pepper: Season the pesto to perfection.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta

Step 1: Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until¹ a smooth and creamy pesto forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta² and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Beef Sauce

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2 minutes more to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the prepared pesto and mix well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy pesto beef sauce. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
• Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh basil, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and lean ground beef.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Adjust the consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
• Make the pesto ahead of time: You can make the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this recipe even quicker to prepare on busy nights.

How to Serve

This Pesto Beef Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pesto Beef Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even ground lamb would be delicious substitutes for ground beef.

2. Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, you can! If you don’t have time to make your own pesto, you can use store-bought pesto. However, homemade pesto will have a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy? Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and fresh pesto, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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