If you are looking for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the rich, savory goodness of ground beef with the fresh, herbaceous delight of homemade pesto, this recipe offers a wonderfully creamy and satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and bright. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish comes together in about 35 minutes and guarantees smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; each component is straightforward yet essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe so memorable.
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni or any small shape): The pasta’s ridges and hollows catch the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base that complements the bright pesto.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Brings a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat for balance.
- For the Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed: The heart of the pesto with a fresh, bright flavor.
- ¼ cup pine nuts: Adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor when blended.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, savory notes that enhance the pesto.
- 1 clove garlic: Adds a punch of garlicky freshness to the pesto.
- ¼ cup olive oil (more if needed): Helps emulsify the pesto into a silky sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season to perfectly balance the flavors.
How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pesto
Start by preparing the star of the show — the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse these ingredients until they are finely chopped. Then, with the machine running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth, spreadable paste forms. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld beautifully before mixing it into your creamy beef sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later and helps everything cling deliciously to the noodles.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which brings out its natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly. This browning process builds deep, savory flavors that make the dish so satisfying.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Once your beef is beautifully browned, stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking this mixture for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, add the homemade pesto you prepared earlier, stirring everything together. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce so it perfectly coats the pasta when combined.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are enveloped in that creamy, vibrant pesto-beef mixture. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to elevate each bite with salty richness.
How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes amplify both taste and presentation. A few fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of Parmesan add a lovely finishing touch, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little spice. Toasted pine nuts make for a delightful textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette to brighten the palate, or roasted seasonal vegetables to add warmth and earthiness. Crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic choice to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole pine nuts scattered on top. You can also swirl in a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess. Serving family-style in a large pasta bowl encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, which can make for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften after thawing, so it’s better for meal prep than long-term storage.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency. Stir frequently to avoid drying out the beef and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or small shapes work best to hold the sauce, feel free to use any pasta you love, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
You can, but homemade pesto really elevates this dish with its fresh, vibrant taste. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand and consider adding a little extra fresh basil or garlic to boost the flavor.
What can I do with leftover pesto?
Leftover pesto is incredibly versatile! Toss it with salads, spread it on sandwiches, mix it into scrambled eggs, or freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and comforting enough to become a new family favorite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — once you do, it’s sure to find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Print
Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pesto Beef Pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of homemade basil pesto with savory ground beef and creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni or your favorite small pasta shape. Ready in just 35 minutes, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, delivering a satisfying blend of fresh herbs, cheese, and meaty goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni or any small shape)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Olive oil for sautéing (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil (more if needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and one clove of garlic. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth, cohesive paste forms. Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. Cook for 2 minutes to develop the flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Pesto: Stir the prepared pesto into the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the pesto beef sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- The reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- If you don’t have pine nuts, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute in the pesto.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure to use fresh basil leaves for the best bright, herbal pesto flavor.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
