Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta is a fast, rich dish that mixes beef, cream, and pesto for a full-flavored meal.
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Introduction
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Why make this recipe
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Ingredients
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Directions
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to serve Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to store Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Tips to make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Variation (if any)
- Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — FAQs
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Introduction
This Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta brings together simple ingredients for a tasty plate in under 30 minutes.
It works well for busy weeknights and when you want comfort food with a twist.
If you like pasta dishes with fresh herbs, try this pesto pasta salad for a lighter side: pesto pasta salad.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Why make this recipe
Make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta because it is quick, filling, and needs few ingredients.
It gives you protein from beef and bright flavor from pesto, all in a creamy sauce.
This recipe is great for leftovers and for feeding a small family or guests.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
Follow simple steps and you will have a creamy, green sauce wrapped around pasta and beef.
You brown the beef, add cream and pesto, then toss with cooked pasta until all is coated.
For ideas on making creamy sauces for pasta, see this creamy soup recipe which uses similar techniques: creamy wild rice and mushroom soup.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, mixing until combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to serve Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
Serve this dish hot right from the pan so the sauce stays creamy.
Offer a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side to round the meal.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — How to store Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing.
Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Tips to make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
- Use firm pasta like penne or rigatoni so the sauce clings well.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a cleaner sauce.
- Stir in the cheese off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
- For a quick pasta side, try this easy pasta salad with pickles for a contrast in taste: easy pasta salad with pickles.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — Variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and extra veg.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta — FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto for Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta?
A: Yes. Store-bought pesto works fine and saves time. It still gives good flavor.
Q: Can I make Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta ahead of time?
A: You can cook it and chill. Reheat gently with a little cream. It holds well for meal prep.
Q: Where can I buy pesto sauce?
A: Many stores sell pesto. You can also buy pesto online. Buy it here.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta?
A: Freezing can change the sauce texture because of the cream. Freeze only if needed and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: A simple salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies pair well. You can also serve a cold pasta side like a BLT pasta salad for variety: BLT pasta salad.
Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice Use firm pasta like penne or rigatoni for better sauce adherence.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce Store-bought pesto works fine for convenience.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Stir in off heat to keep the sauce smooth.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional Fresh basil for garnish Adds a nice touch when serving.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Beef and Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, mixing until combined.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
