Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta

Introduction

As a beef lover, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta with tender beef. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta. This dish combines the richness of a creamy pesto sauce with the hearty goodness of beef and the comforting texture of penne pasta. It’s a true indulgence for any beef lover looking to elevate their pasta game.

Overview of the Recipe

Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta is a perfect blend of Italian and modern flavors. The dish consists of tender strips of beef, coated in a luscious, homemade creamy pesto sauce, and tossed with al dente penne pasta. The key flavors and textures of this recipe make it stand out. The creamy sauce offers a harmonious balance of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, while the beef adds a savory depth to the pasta.

Ingredients List

To recreate this indulgent Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the pasta:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– Water for boiling
– Salt for seasoning

For the beef:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

Additional ingredients:
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Recipe Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the beef:
– In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
– Season the beef slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
– Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
– Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:
– In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Pulse the ingredients until well combined.
– Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuing to blend.
– Once the pesto sauce is well blended, transfer it to a small saucepan.
– Stir in the heavy cream and heat the sauce over low heat until warmed through.
– Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the pasta, beef, and sauce:
– Return the drained pasta to the large pot.
– Add the cooked beef slices to the pot.
– Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and beef.
– Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated with the sauce.
– If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Serve and garnish:
– Divide the Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta into individual dishes or a large serving bowl.
– Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
– Serve immediately while still warm, and enjoy!

Conclusion and Wrap Up

Creamy Pesto Beef Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the creamy richness of a homemade pesto sauce with the satisfying texture of beef and penne pasta. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply indulging in a comforting meal at home.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or playing around with different types of pasta shapes. Customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

I hope you enjoy recreating this recipe and that it becomes a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your feedback or experiences with me. Happy cooking, beef lovers!