If you’re looking for a mouthwatering way to shake up pasta night, look no further than this irresistible Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe. Juicy seared beef, vibrant basil pesto, and sweet blistered cherry tomatoes come together with your favorite pasta for a dish that feels both sophisticated and secretly easy. It’s a flavor-packed, hearty meal that’s weeknight-friendly but absolutely worthy of your next dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is a celebration of simple, well-chosen ingredients—each one plays a starring role, from the bold, herby pesto to the tender steak. Here’s what you’ll need to make every forkful unforgettable.

Pasta: Pick penne, rotini, or your favorite shape so the sauce clings perfectly—al dente is key for texture!
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: Thinly sliced steak cooks fast and soaks up every bit of pesto flavor—choose well-marbled beef for the juiciest results.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps create that irresistible sear on the beef and builds a rich base for the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both your pasta water and the beef, amplifying all the flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice that enhances both the beef and the pesto.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and quickly blistered, they add sweetness, color, and a pop of juicy freshness.
Basil Pesto: Homemade or store-bought, this is the herby, garlicky heart of the whole recipe—don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with savory, nutty richness that pulls it all together.
Pasta Water (reserved): Just a splash helps make the sauce silky and perfect for tossing.
Fresh Basil Leaves (optional): For a fragrant garnish and an extra dash of color to impress at serving time.

How to Make Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta of choice until it’s perfectly al dente, then remember to scoop out a bit of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is a magic ingredient for luscious sauces. Set the hot pasta aside while you give the rest of the dish your attention.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

While your pasta cooks, heat up a large skillet and swirl in the olive oil. Toss the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in the sizzling skillet for just 2 to 3 minutes per side. The goal is a beautifully browned exterior and juicy, just-cooked-through center. Remove the beef and set aside, keeping those flavorful browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Blister the Cherry Tomatoes

In the very same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them sizzle and blister for a couple of minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a gorgeous pop of color that will soon mingle with your sauce.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with Pesto

Lower the heat and add your cooked pasta back into the skillet, along with the luscious basil pesto and reserved pasta water. Stir gently and watch the noodles become glossy and aromatic, each piece coated to perfection with green gold.

Step 5: Combine with Beef and Finish

Now it’s time for the grand finale: return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Let the flavors meld for another minute or two, just until everything is heated through. Serve up the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe warm, topped with a generous shower of grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for that finishing touch.

How to Serve Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

No plate is complete without a sparkling garnish! Shower your Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe with extra Parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil. If you love a little crunch, try toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper—this makes each bite look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or serve it alongside a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or a light red makes for a restaurant-worthy spread at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family vibe, serve this pasta straight from the skillet at the table—pasta tongs at the ready! To impress guests, individual bowls finished with a swirl of pesto and artful basil leaves will have everyone swooning. Or, serve atop a bed of arugula for a fresh, peppery twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even more intense as they mingle, making for a fabulous next-day lunch.

Freezing

While pesto itself freezes beautifully, pasta and seared beef are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to one month. Just know that the texture of the pasta may change a bit upon thawing—but the flavor will still come through!

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra pesto to keep things creamy. Microwaving works too, but stir well and heat in short bursts so the beef doesn’t overcook. Top with fresh Parmesan and basil just before serving to revive that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak cook quickly and stay tender, you can substitute with ribeye for extra richness or even use leftover roast beef—just slice it thinly and add toward the end to heat through.

What’s the best pasta to use in the Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe?

Short, ridged shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the pesto and little bits of tomato, but any pasta you love will work. For a lighter spin, try whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Of course! Simply skip the beef and add extra veggies like zucchini, red bell pepper, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as delicious and colorful.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Homemade pesto will always have that vibrant, fresh basil flavor, but don’t let that stop you from using a good quality store-bought version—this Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe is designed to be flexible and speedy without sacrificing taste.

How do I make the dish creamier?

If you’re craving an ultra-creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta right at the end. It blends beautifully with the pesto and makes the sauce luxuriously silky.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe truly brings together everything you love in a comforting, show-stopping meal—bold flavors, vibrant colors, and surprisingly simple steps. Give it a try and let it become your new weeknight favorite; I have a feeling you’ll fall in love after just one bite!

Pesto Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy Pesto Beef Pasta recipe that combines tender beef with cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese tossed with pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Beef:

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup basil pesto
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, reserve pasta water.
Sear Beef: Season and sear beef in olive oil until browned.
Cook Tomatoes: Cook cherry tomatoes until blistered.
Combine: Toss pasta with pesto, pasta water, beef, and tomatoes.
Serve: Top with Parmesan and basil leaves.