Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta
A quick, rich dish that combines beef, cream, and pesto for a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.
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.
Notes
Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. For side dishes, a simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well.