Creamy Beef and Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful and Comforting Dish

This Creamy Beef and Pesto Pasta combines the savory flavors of ground beef, aromatic pesto, and a touch of cream to create a rich and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. The combination of tender pasta, a creamy beef sauce, and homemade pesto brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 250 g (9 oz) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your preferred type)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 350 g (12 oz) ground beef
  • 100 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pesto:

  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • 25 g (1 oz) pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Olive oil (about 3-4 tablespoons, or to desired consistency)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Calcium: 180 mg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pesto

a. Combine Pesto Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and 1 clove of garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

b. Add Olive Oil:
Gradually add olive oil while pulsing the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust the amount of oil depending on how thick or thin you prefer your pesto.

c. Season the Pesto:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside. This fresh pesto will add a vibrant, herby flavor to your pasta dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

a. Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 250 g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.

b. Drain the Pasta:
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef mixture.

3. Cook the Beef Mixture

a. Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

b. Add Garlic and Chili Pepper:
Add the minced garlic and finely chopped chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds a nice kick and depth of flavor to the sauce.

c. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

d. Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavor of the beef mixture.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

a. Add Heavy Cream:
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in 100 ml of heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the beef mixture, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

b. Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

c. Stir in the Pesto:
Finally, stir in the prepared pesto, mixing until the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve

a. Garnish and Serve:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired for a burst of color and flavor.

b. Enjoy:
Enjoy this creamy, herby, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Pesto Pasta

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, good-quality Parmesan, and fresh garlic make a big difference in the flavor of your pesto.
  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the chili pepper or reduce the amount to your taste.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it silky and well combined with the pasta.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Enjoy this delightful Creamy Beef and Pesto Pasta, a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your pasta cravings!