Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

Oh wow, have you ever tried mixing beef and pesto in pasta? Let me tell you — it’s so good and super easy! I made it for dinner last night, and everyone loved it.

I love how the beef is juicy, and the pesto makes it taste fresh and yummy. Plus, the pasta soaks up all that good sauce. And guess what? You only need a few things to make it!

If you’re busy like me, you’ll love how fast this is. No fancy stuff — just simple, tasty food. And the best part? You can make it in one pan!

So, are you ready to cook this easy pesto beef pasta? Let me show you how I do it step by step. You’ll have dinner ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Satisfying: Creamy pesto sauce with savory ground beef makes this pasta hearty and filling.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this combo of cheesy, meaty pasta.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one pot — less mess, easy cleanup.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well for quick lunches or dinners.
• Easy to Customize: Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based ground meat to fit your preferences.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 generous servings — perfect for a small family or for leftovers.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly, but with enough flavor layers to impress anyone at the table.

Required Kitchen Tools

Make sure you have these tools ready to create this delicious dish:

• Large Skillet or Deep Pan: To cook everything together smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the beef and sauce.
• Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
• Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and basil.
• Grater: To shred fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.

Ingredients for Pesto Beef Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful pasta (exact measurements will be in the recipe card):

• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works beautifully.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease, or regular for extra flavor.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a fragrant, savory base.
• Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a deep, sweet flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the pesto sauce velvety and rich.
• Pesto: Homemade or store-bought basil pesto for that classic herbal punch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a gentle heat.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped, for brightness and garnish.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted, for texture and nutty flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, stirred into the sauce and for serving.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the beef and vegetables.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and bring out all the flavors.

Variations for Pesto Beef Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, ground turkey, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different twist.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty meat-free version.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Nut-Free Option: If you prefer to skip pine nuts, replace them with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch without nuts.

How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
• Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

• Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic.
• Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
• Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Build the Sauce

• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly to deepen the flavor.
• Pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
• Add in pesto and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy pesto sauce.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce.
• Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

6. Add Finishing Touches

• Stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for added texture an

How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta

This rich and flavorful pasta is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can pair it with sides to make it even more special:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce.
• Alongside a Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make a great side dish.
• Top with Extra Cheese: Garnish with additional Parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella if you like it extra cheesy.
• Finish with Fresh Basil: Add a few more basil leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Storing Pesto Beef Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the creaminess of the sauce may change slightly when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much when reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water — it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Toast Pine Nuts: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden and fragrant — this adds so much depth to the flavor.
• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brightens the whole dish. If you don’t have any, you can add a touch of lemon zest for freshness.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	620 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	36 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	480 mg

Note: Nutrition information is estimated based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific products used.

Pesto Beef Pasta FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and beef mixture in advance. Reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini are great because they hold the sauce well.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the sauce and beef mixture for up to 2 months. For best texture, cook pasta fresh when ready to eat.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free pesto and swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or oat milk (though it will slightly change the flavor).

Conclusion

Pesto Beef Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of pesto, and the comfort of pasta. It’s an easy go-to meal that works for both casual dinners and special occasions. With options to adjust for different diets and preferences, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta brings hearty satisfaction to the table—without much effort.