Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that easily wows both family and friends, this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With tender ground beef, vibrant basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite is bursting with flavor and Italian-inspired charm. It’s a weeknight dinner hero that comes together in just 30 minutes, yet feels like something special. Trust me, once you try this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to make regular appearances on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe truly shine is its short but mighty list of ingredients. Each component brings something unique to the party—whether it’s the rich, savory flavor of beef or the bright, herby notes of pesto. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Pasta (12 ounces, penne or rotini): These shapes are perfect for holding onto the sauce and making every forkful extra delicious.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein, bringing hearty, savory depth to the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of mild heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick; totally optional but highly recommended!
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): These little gems add tangy sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Basil pesto (1/2 cup, prepared): The heart of the sauce—use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto for maximum flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): For that final hit of salty, nutty goodness.
- Pasta water (1/4 cup, reserved): Helps create a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne or rotini and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Remember to scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a simple trick that will help your sauce coat the pasta like a dream later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook it, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s deeply browned and cooked through. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Once the beef is done, sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a quick sauté for about a minute—just enough to let those flavors bloom without letting the garlic brown.
Step 4: Stir in Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute. They’ll infuse the beef with a lovely sweet-tart flavor and amp up the color of your sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Pesto and Pasta Water
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the prepared basil pesto along with the reserved pasta water. This combo turns into a silky, aromatic sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and pasta.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add your drained, cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything together until all the noodles are coated in that luscious green sauce and the beef is evenly distributed. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and give it one last toss just before serving.
How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, scatter some freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped basil or parsley over each bowl. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings an extra layer of freshness and flavor to your Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. A side of roasted veggies, like asparagus or zucchini, also works wonders for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, try serving the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe in individual bowls with a swirl of pesto on top, or even nestled in a large serving platter for a family-style dinner. For extra flair, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pasta, simply let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great for catching all the sauce, any short pasta shape like fusilli or rigatoni works beautifully. Even spaghetti can be used in a pinch for this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and consider using a lighter pesto (or homemade with less oil). You can also add a handful of spinach or arugula to sneak in extra greens.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Store-bought pestos are super convenient, but if you have homemade on hand, even better. Traditional basil pesto is classic, but feel free to experiment with arugula, kale, or sun-dried tomato pestos for new flavor twists.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Definitely! Just make sure your pesto is nut-free (many store-bought options are), or whip up a homemade batch using seeds or omitting nuts altogether. The rest of the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is naturally nut-free.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well and top with fresh herbs or cheese for that just-cooked taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in a flash, you can’t go wrong with this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious. Give it a try and let this dish earn a spot in your weeknight rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is a hearty and flavorful Italian-American dish combining tender ground beef with fragrant basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the beef. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the flavors.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Mix in Pesto and Pasta Water: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto along with the reserved pasta water. This will help create a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the pesto beef sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir lightly to incorporate. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Stir in fresh spinach or arugula toward the end of cooking for added greens and nutrients.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use nut-free pesto if you need to keep this recipe nut-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
