Steak & Pesto Pasta 🥩🌿🍝 Herbaceous, Savory, and Packed With Juicy Steak and a Bold Basil Kick

This one’s a flavor bomb — seared steak sliced thin and folded into hot pasta tossed in glossy green pesto. It’s fast, satisfying, and elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight.

Garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked beef all in one bowl? Yes, please.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine, spaghetti, or short pasta
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the steak

• 8–10 oz steak (sirloin, NY strip, ribeye, or flank), room temp
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder or Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the pesto sauce

• ⅓–½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp cream or butter for richness
• Squeeze of lemon juice or splash of pasta water

To finish

• More Parmesan
• Chopped basil or parsley
• Chili flakes or drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the steak
Season steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until medium-rare or preferred doneness. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.

Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same skillet (wipe out excess fat if needed), reduce heat to low. Add pesto, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water or cream. Stir until warmed and smooth.

Step 4: Toss and combine
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed. Fold in sliced steak gently. Taste and adjust with lemon juice, salt, or more cheese.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with herbs, extra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes.

Flavor Variations

• Add cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness
• Toss in arugula or spinach for greens
• Swap pesto for arugula, kale, or walnut-based versions
• Use blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles for tang
• Add roasted mushrooms or grilled zucchini for depth

Pro Tips

• Let steak rest before slicing — juices redistribute
• Cut steak thin and across the grain for tenderness
• Don’t overheat pesto — just warm it to keep it vibrant
• Use pasta water to get the sauce glossy and clingy
• Fresh pesto = bright, store-bought = richer — both work

Final Thoughts

Steak & Pesto Pasta brings together bold herb flavor and savory beef in a way that’s simple, fast, and full of payoff. It’s protein-packed comfort with a green edge — dinner that feels luxe without the labor.

Sear it. Slice it. Swirl it green and gorgeous. 🥩🌿🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.