Get ready for a vibrant, utterly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your taste buds as well as your dinner crowd: the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe. This high-protein, Italian-American-inspired dish brings together tender beef, herbaceous pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta for an effortless weeknight dinner that tastes like pure comfort. Every bite is layered with flavors, textures, and colors, making it a standout recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from infusing savory flavors to adding freshness and visual appeal. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Choose a hearty pasta shape that grabs onto the pesto sauce and beef pieces for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 lb, thinly sliced): Using quality beef ensures juicy, tender bites and adds heartiness to your pasta.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a bit is needed to sear the beef and help toast the tomatoes, adding subtle richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Proper seasoning is key—don’t skip this for beef with maximum flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth to balance the pesto and beef.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall savoriness and infuses the beef with extra aromatic dimension.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Add bursts of sweet, juicy freshness and a pop of cheerful color.
- Pesto (1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade): The heart of the dish—basil, garlic, cheese, and pine nuts blended into a vibrant sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): For finishing the dish with a salty, nutty flourish.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): Scatter these on top for an aromatic and visually striking final touch.
How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s tender yet still has a pleasant bite. Remember to scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid gold helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce later on!
Step 2: Season the Beef
While the pasta bubbles away, season your thinly sliced beef generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This quick step infuses every piece with mouthwatering savory flavor and lays the groundwork for a stellar Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in a single layer. Sear for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the slices are browned and just cooked through—succulent beef is what takes this dish over the top. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, keeping those delicious juices in the pan for the next step.
Step 4: Sauté the Tomatoes
Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the still-hot skillet. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes until their skins blister and soften, adding sweetness and a burst of color that brightens up your entire bowl.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked beef (and all the flavorful juices!) to the pan, then add the cooked pasta and pesto. Splash in some of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick. Toss until every noodle is well-coated and everything is heated through—this is where the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe truly comes together.
Step 6: Finish With Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top, then garnish with fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Serve right away while the pasta is steaming hot and the aroma fills your kitchen.
How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe with a flurry of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves—either whole or finely shredded. These little touches add peppery brightness and stunning color, giving each plate that “wow” factor.
Side Dishes
This pasta is delightful on its own but pairs dreamily with a crisp green salad, garlicky bread, or simple roasted vegetables. The fresh, acidic crunch of salads helps balance the richness, while warm bread is perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra flair, twirl the pasta onto plates with tongs and top each serving with a cherry tomato or two, bright basil, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Or, serve family-style from a big platter at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves—the more rustic, the better for this cozy, generous dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Everything holds up beautifully, and the flavors meld together in the best way overnight.
Freezing
While freezing pasta can change its texture slightly, you can absolutely freeze this recipe. Let the dish cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Try to avoid freezing the basil garnish—just add fresh basil after reheating!
Reheating
To bring your Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. This revives the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating, and top with extra Parmesan and basil just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin and flank steak work beautifully, but you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or even leftover cooked beef. Ground beef is a fine swap in a pinch for a more budget-friendly version.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Both options are tasty! Homemade pesto will give you slightly brighter, fresher flavors, but if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought pesto makes this recipe totally weeknight-friendly.
Can I make this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Yes—simply choose a gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes. Just be careful with the cook time and check that your pesto is also gluten-free (most are!), and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free dinner.
What vegetables can I add?
This recipe is flexible! Try tossing in baby spinach, sautéed zucchini, roasted red bell peppers, or even peas for more color and nutrients. Just add them when you sauté the tomatoes or stir them in with the pasta.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a luscious, creamy sauce, stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream right after adding the pesto. The result is an even silkier, more decadent Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a dinner that’s both simple and show-stopping, this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is the one you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s weeknight-easy but special enough for guests, packed with flavor, and always leaves everyone craving seconds. Give it a try—you’re in for a truly satisfying, joy-filled meal!
Print
Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pesto Beef Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender beef slices with flavorful pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese tossed with pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season and cook beef: Season beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil until browned, then set aside.
- Cook tomatoes: Saute cherry tomatoes until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Return beef to skillet, add pesto and pasta. Toss, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add cream cheese or heavy cream with the pesto.
- Ground beef or leftover steak can be used instead of sliced sirloin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
