Description
A delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Be careful not to burn the beef; cook it on medium heat.
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Beef Pasta, Skillet Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe