This Basil Pesto Pasta with Creamy Beef Sauce combines the fresh, aromatic flavors of basil pesto with the hearty richness of a creamy beef sauce. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in these two delicious sauces for a meal that’s indulgent yet balanced. This versatile dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions, offering a gourmet taste with easy-to-follow steps.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Basil Pesto:
- Basil: 1 cup (fresh)
- Pine Nuts: 1 oz (25 g)
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese: 2 oz (50 g)
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
For the Pasta:
- Ground Beef: 12 oz (350 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Chili Pepper: 1, finely chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Pasta: 9 oz (250 g)
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Cream: ½ cup (100 ml)
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
Directions
Prepare the Basil Pesto:
- Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and chili pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and cream. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the basil pesto and cook for 1-2 minutes until combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Top with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complementary crunch.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a drizzle of extra pesto on top for a visual and flavorful enhancement.
- Serve with a glass of red wine to elevate the dining experience.
5 Cooking Tips
- Cook pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Toast pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Adjust the chili pepper quantity based on your spice preference.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for a richer pesto and sauce.
- Save a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Benefits
- Basil: Rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins like A, C, and K.
- Ground Beef: High in protein and iron, promoting muscle growth and energy.
- Pine Nuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and magnesium for heart health.
Dietary Information
- Contains Dairy: From Parmesan and cream.
- Contains Gluten: From the pasta.
- Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sauce and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: Combines the fresh, herby taste of pesto with a rich, creamy beef sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, creaminess, or protein to your liking.
- Impressive Yet Simple: A gourmet dish that’s easy to prepare for guests or family.
Conclusion
This Basil Pesto Pasta with Creamy Beef Sauce offers a delightful combination of fresh and hearty flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With its balance of creamy beef sauce and aromatic pesto, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels luxurious. Serve it hot with your favorite garnishes and sides for a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, but homemade pesto offers fresher flavors.
- What pasta shapes work best? Penne, fettuccine, or linguine are great options.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives.
- Can I replace beef with another protein? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu works well.
- How can I make it vegetarian? Omit the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- What can I use instead of pine nuts? Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are good substitutes.
- Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, make the sauce and pesto ahead, then cook pasta fresh before serving.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Freeze the sauce and pesto separately; pasta is best made fresh.
- What can I serve with this dish? Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
- How do I reheat it without drying out the pasta? Add a splash of cream or pasta water and heat gently on the stove.
Enjoy this deliciously fresh and hearty pasta dish that combines the best of Italian flavors!