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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Pasta with Beef and Basil Pesto
#### 1. **Prepare the Basil Pesto**:
– Start by making the pesto sauce so it’s ready to be tossed with the pasta and beef later. In a food processor or blender, combine the **basil leaves**, **Parmesan cheese**, **pine nuts**, and **garlic**. Pulse until finely chopped.
– With the food processor running, slowly stream in the **olive oil** until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. You may need to scrape down the sides once or twice to ensure everything is evenly blended.
– Add **lemon juice**, and season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Set the pesto aside or store it in the fridge if you plan to make it ahead.
#### 2. **Cook the Pasta**:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your **pasta** and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
– Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
#### 3. **Cook the Beef**:
– While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add **1 tablespoon of olive oil**.
– Season the thinly sliced beef with **salt**, **pepper**, and **garlic powder** (if using). If you like a little extra depth of flavor, add **soy sauce** to the beef before cooking.
– Add the beef strips to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
#### 4. **Combine the Pasta and Pesto**:
– In the same skillet (with any remaining juices from the beef), add the drained **pasta**. If the skillet is too dry, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to help the pesto coat the pasta better.
– Stir in the **basil pesto**, tossing the pasta until it is fully coated with the sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
#### 5. **Add the Beef**:
– Once the pasta is well coated with pesto, gently fold in the cooked beef strips. Toss everything together until the beef is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
#### 6. **Serve**:
– Transfer the pasta with beef and basil pesto to serving plates. Optionally, top with a little more **grated Parmesan cheese**, a few extra basil leaves, and a drizzle of **olive oil** for extra richness and flavor.
– Serve immediately, and enjoy!
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### Tips for Perfect Pasta with Beef and Basil Pesto
1. **Choose the Right Beef**: Tender cuts of beef like **flank steak** or **sirloin** work best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain juicy when sliced thinly. If you use a tougher cut, consider marinating the beef for a few hours before cooking to improve its tenderness.
2. **Customize the Pesto**: If you’re not a fan of pine nuts, you can substitute with **walnuts**, **cashews**, or even **sunflower seeds** for a different flavor. Adjust the amount of olive oil to get the consistency you prefer.
3. **Make the Pesto Ahead**: Pesto is incredibly easy to make ahead. You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for individual portions.
4. **Add Vegetables**: For a heartier meal, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like **spinach**, **sun-dried tomatoes**, or **zucchini** to the pasta to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
5. **Balance the Flavor**: If the pesto tastes too rich or heavy, a squeeze of **lemon juice** or a dash of **vinegar** can help brighten up the flavors and add balance to the dish.
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### Why This Pasta with Beef and Basil Pesto is a Must-Try
This **Pasta with Beef and Basil Pesto** is the perfect combination of **savory beef**, **vibrant pesto**, and **al dente pasta**, creating a meal that’s packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. The **basil pesto** adds a refreshing, herbal note that complements the rich beef, while the texture of the pasta brings it all together. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time.
Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this pasta is quick enough to prepare without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different cuts of beef, types of pasta, or even mix-ins like vegetables or additional cheese.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, this delicious dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Ready to impress? Whip up this **Pasta with Beef and Basil Pesto** and watch it disappear in no time.
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