This Pesto Steak Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, satisfying, and bursting with bold, savory flavors.

Welcome back to Merry About Town – my name is Merry, and I’m all about easy weeknight dinners that pack flavor and satisfaction!
My most recent creation is this mouthwatering Pesto Steak Pasta – with tender strips of flank steak, vibrant (yet, store-bought!) pesto, and perfectly cooked penne rigate, this dish delivers a rich and satisfying bite every time.
Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this Pesto Steak Pasta is a show-stopping meal, prepared with minimal effort. Let me show you how! Keep on scrolling below for all the details.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Pesto Steak Pasta?
Be sure to prepare the following ingredients before making this pesto pasta. You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below:
- Penne rigate
- Butter
- Flank steak
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Jarred pesto
- Parmesan cheese
- Dried parsley



Are There Any Ingredient Substitutes?
Absolutely! While we recommend flank steak, you can use any protein that you prefer. If you decide to stay with a red meat, we recommend using a boneless steak.
Further, for the pasta: if you are out of penne rigate, any short pasta will do!

Why Jarred Pesto?
For time’s sake and to stay budget-friendly, we often opt for jarred pesto. Store-bought pesto is a great way for us to make sure our recipes can be completed and cooked in a timely manner.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the pasta and steak cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, if needed.

Got Any More Recipes That Use Pesto?
Absolutely! If there’s something I absolutely adore for dinner, is a good pesto-infused recipe. You may also like:
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Bacon and Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto and Boursin Baked Eggs
Can I Use Homemade Pesto?
Of course! While a store-bought jar works well for convenience, homemade pesto will elevate the flavor even more. If you have fresh basil and pine nuts on hand, it’s worth making your own.
How to Make Pesto Steak Pasta
Heat butter on a cast iron pan over medium. In another pot, boil water and cook penne rigate according to package directions (drain once pasta is cookied).
Once the butter is melted and heated, add steak and cook on each side, until medium-well (about 3 to 4 minutes on each side). Remove from heat and place steak on a plate. Cut into strips and set aside.

Add EVOO, pesto and ¼ cup parmesan into the cooked penne and fold until all ingredients are well-combined.



Plate the pasta and top with steak strips. Serve with parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Pesto Steak Pasta
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz. Penne rigate
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 jar of pesto
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Dried parsley for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter on a cast iron pan over medium. In another pot, boil water and cook penne rigate according to package directions (drain once pasta is cookied).
- Once the butter is melted and heated, add steak and cook on each side, until medium-well (about 3 to 4 minutes on each side). Remove from heat and place steak on a plate. Cut into strips and set aside.
- Add EVOO, pesto and ¼ cup parmesan into the cooked penne and fold until all ingredients are well-combined.
- Plate the pasta and top with steak strips. Serve with parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 795Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 89gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 50g
Nutrition info included as a guide. No guarantees are made that the information is accurate.
Bookmark this post or pin it on Pinterest so you can come back to this Pesto Steak Pasta recipe whenever you need a fast, delicious dinner idea. Tried it? Let us know how it turned out in the comments!
