Name: Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, Pesto Beef Pasta is your next must-try recipe. Imagine tender pasta coated in a creamy, herby pesto sauce, dotted with juicy morsels of ground beef, and finished with pops of cherry tomato and fresh basil. It’s a dish that satisfies all cravings: hearty, cheesy, and utterly comforting! Whether you’re cooking for friends or powering through a weeknight dinner, this pasta promises bold taste with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about Pesto Beef Pasta is how its short ingredient list delivers such big, bold flavors. Each element brings a special something to the table, working together for a harmonious, crave-worthy meal!

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): The perfect shapes for capturing every drop of creamy pesto sauce, making every bite satisfying.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds silkiness to the sauce and aids in browning the beef beautifully.
1 lb ground beef: Provides richness and heartiness, balancing the fresh, zesty pesto perfectly.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps the seasoning spot-on.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery background note.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Lends subtle herbal complexity for a layered taste.
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto: The starring flavor—either homemade or store-bought—delivers vibrant, herby freshness.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce lush and velvety, turning everything decadently creamy.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness and pulls the whole dish together.
Chopped cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for garnish (optional): These provide bursts of juicy sweetness and extra color—definitely worth the finish!

How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne or rotini and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—think firm, but with a gentle bite. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is an ideal moment to prep the rest of your ingredients for a seamless cooking flow.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then crumble in the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, until it’s beautifully browned all over. If there’s a lot of fat, go ahead and drain the excess. This step ensures the beef provides savory depth and hearty texture to your Pesto Beef Pasta.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Now for that magic aroma! Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let everything cook for another minute, just until the air is filled with garlicky, herby goodness. This is where the flavors start to build and elevate the beef.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Turn the heat down to low, then swirl in the basil pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally as the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky. The transformation is almost instant: the aroma and color are irresistible!

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish

Return your drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently so every noodle is gloriously coated in the creamy pesto-beef sauce. Give it a taste—and adjust seasoning if you like—then get ready to plate up your beautiful Pesto Beef Pasta.

How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your bowls with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil and halved cherry tomatoes. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the fresh flavors and juicy tomatoes brighten every bite. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan over the top for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pesto Beef Pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For something more indulgent, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread—the sauce is just begging to be soaked up!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and let people mix in their own garnishes. For a playful twist, spoon the pasta into baked Parmesan cups or present individual portions in small ramekins for dinner parties. The vibrant color makes this dish a real show-stopper on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pesto Beef Pasta holds up well in the fridge. Simply transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container, and it’ll keep for up to three days. The flavors deepen and meld so leftovers are always a treat.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Let the pasta cool completely, then package in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that creamy magic, reheat leftover pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Splash in a little water, cream, or milk as needed to loosen the sauce, and stir frequently until everything is hot and luscious again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are fantastic for scooping up the sauce, you can use your favorite shape—fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti all work well. Just keep an eye on cook times to ensure perfect texture.

Is there a way to make Pesto Beef Pasta lighter?

Yes! You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You might also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add some sautéed spinach or zucchini for more veggie goodness.

What’s the best type of pesto to use?

Both homemade and store-bought pesto work wonderfully, so use whichever you prefer. If you have nut allergies, look for nut-free varieties. For a burst of freshness, you can never go wrong with classic basil pesto here!

Can I make Pesto Beef Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep most components ahead—cook the pasta, brown the beef, and even mix the sauce. Store everything separately in the fridge, then quickly combine and heat through when you’re ready to serve, for best texture and flavor.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simple! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check the labels on your pesto and Parmesan to ensure they’re gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that checks every box for flavor, comfort, and ease, this Pesto Beef Pasta absolutely deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Have fun garnishing, try your own twists, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes running for seconds!

Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pesto Beef Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce with seasoned ground beef, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce:

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add Sauce: Stir in pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until creamy.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.