Pesto pasta is one of those dishes that feel like a little trip to Italy in every bite. The fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil blend together in a way that’s simply delightful. But sometimes, you want to add a little something extra—like meat—to make it a heartier meal. So, what meat goes well with pesto pasta? Let’s dive in and explore the best options to elevate your dish.
What Meat Goes Well with Pesto Pasta?
Adding meat to pesto pasta can transform a light dish into something more filling and satisfying. But not all meats are created equal when it comes to pairing with pesto. The rich and earthy flavors of pesto need something that can stand up to it without overpowering it. Here are some of the best meats to consider.
1. Chicken: The Classic Choice
Chicken is often the go-to choice when adding meat to pesto pasta. Its mild flavor allows the pesto to shine while providing the protein you need for a balanced meal.
Why Chicken Works Well:
- Mild Flavor: Chicken’s subtle taste doesn’t compete with the boldness of pesto.
- Versatility: You can grill, bake, or sauté the chicken, giving you flexibility in how you prepare the dish.
- Healthy Option: Chicken is a lean protein, making it a healthy choice for those watching their diet.
| Type of Chicken | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Marinate and grill | Adds a smoky flavor |
| Baked Chicken Breast | Oven-bake with herbs | Moist and tender |
| Shredded Chicken | Boil and shred | Light and easy to mix |
Tip: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of pesto before cooking.
2. Shrimp: A Seafood Delight
If you’re in the mood for seafood, shrimp is an excellent choice. The slight sweetness of shrimp complements the herbal notes of the pesto, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Why Shrimp Works Well:
- Quick Cooking: Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, making it a great option for a fast meal.
- Rich Texture: The tender and juicy texture of shrimp adds a luxurious feel to the dish.
- Flavor Contrast: The sweetness of shrimp contrasts nicely with the savory pesto.
| Type of Shrimp | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Shrimp | Grill with garlic | Smoky and flavorful |
| Sautéed Shrimp | Cook in butter and garlic | Rich and tasty |
| Boiled Shrimp | Boil with lemon | Light and refreshing |
Tip: Toss the shrimp in the pasta just before serving to keep it tender.
3. Italian Sausage: A Flavorful Twist
Italian sausage brings a spicy and savory element to your pesto pasta. Whether you choose sweet or hot sausage, the bold flavors pair beautifully with the pesto.
Why Italian Sausage Works Well:
- Spicy Kick: The spices in Italian sausage add a kick that enhances the pesto.
- Richness: Sausage adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish more robust.
- Hearty Texture: The meaty texture of sausage gives the pasta a satisfying bite.
| Type of Sausage | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Italian Sausage | Sauté and slice | Adds a mild sweetness |
| Hot Italian Sausage | Grill or sauté | Adds a spicy kick |
| Chicken Sausage | Grill or bake | Lighter option |
Tip: Crumble the sausage into small pieces to evenly distribute the flavor.
Does Beef Pair Well with Pesto Pasta?
Beef isn’t the first meat you might think of when pairing with pesto, but certain cuts can work surprisingly well. The key is to choose a cut that isn’t too overpowering, allowing the pesto to remain the star of the dish.
1. Steak: A Decadent Option
A tender, juicy steak can make your pesto pasta feel like a gourmet meal. Just be sure to choose a cut that’s not too fatty, as the richness of the steak combined with the pesto can become overwhelming.
Why Steak Works Well:
- Rich Flavor: Steak adds a luxurious flavor to the dish, making it feel special.
- Tender Texture: A well-cooked steak is tender and juicy, adding a satisfying bite.
- Simple Preparation: A quick grill or sear is all it takes to prepare a perfect steak.
| Type of Steak | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Sirloin Steak | Grill or pan-sear | Tender and juicy |
| Flank Steak | Marinate and grill | Flavorful and lean |
| Filet Mignon | Pan-sear or grill | Luxurious texture |
Tip: Slice the steak thinly and lay it on top of the pasta for a beautiful presentation.
2. Ground Beef: A Budget-Friendly Choice
Ground beef might seem a bit humble, but it can work well in a pesto pasta, especially if you season it with complementary herbs and spices.
Why Ground Beef Works Well:
- Affordable: Ground beef is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to find.
- Versatile: You can season it in various ways to match the flavor of the pesto.
- Quick Cooking: Ground beef cooks quickly, making it a good option for weeknight dinners.
| Type of Ground Beef | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef | Sauté with garlic and onion | Light and flavorful |
| Ground Chuck | Sauté with herbs | Rich and juicy |
| Ground Sirloin | Sauté with spices | Lean and tender |
Tip: Cook the ground beef with some garlic and onions to enhance the flavor.
Can Pork Be Paired with Pesto Pasta?
Pork is another meat that can work well with pesto pasta. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a versatile option that pairs nicely with the vibrant pesto sauce.
1. Pork Tenderloin: A Lean Choice
Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut that works beautifully with pesto pasta. Its mild flavor allows the pesto to take center stage, while its tenderness adds a pleasing texture to the dish.
Why Pork Tenderloin Works Well:
- Lean Protein: Pork tenderloin is a lean option that’s lower in fat but still flavorful.
- Tender Texture: When cooked correctly, pork tenderloin is juicy and tender.
- Mild Flavor: Its subtle flavor complements the bold pesto without overpowering it.
| Type of Pork Tenderloin | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Pork Tenderloin | Marinate and grill | Smoky and tender |
| Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Oven-roast with herbs | Juicy and flavorful |
| Sliced Pork Tenderloin | Sauté with garlic | Light and delicious |
Tip: Marinate the pork tenderloin in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling for extra flavor.
2. Bacon: A Crispy Addition
Bacon might not be the first meat you think of for pesto pasta, but its crispy texture and smoky flavor can add a delightful contrast to the dish.
Why Bacon Works Well:
- Crispy Texture: The crispiness of bacon adds a nice contrast to the creamy pesto sauce.
- Smoky Flavor: Bacon’s smoky flavor complements the earthiness of the pesto.
- Easy Preparation: Cooking bacon is quick and easy, making it a convenient option.
| Type of Bacon | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Bacon | Fry or bake until crispy | Adds texture and flavor |
| Pancetta | Sauté until crispy | Italian-style bacon |
| Turkey Bacon | Fry or bake | Lighter alternative |
Tip: Crumble the bacon over the pasta just before serving to keep it crispy.
What About Mixing Different Meats?
Sometimes, combining different meats can create a more complex and satisfying dish. Mixing meats like chicken and shrimp or sausage and bacon can add layers of flavor and texture to your pesto pasta.
1. Chicken and Shrimp: Surf and Turf
Combining chicken and shrimp gives you the best of both worlds—land and sea. The mild flavor of the chicken pairs well with the sweet shrimp, while the pesto ties everything together.
Why Chicken and Shrimp Work Well Together:
- Flavor Variety: The combination offers a mix of flavors that keeps every bite interesting.
- Balanced Texture: The tender chicken and juicy shrimp create a pleasing contrast.
- Quick Cooking: Both chicken and shrimp cook quickly, making this combo perfect for a fast meal.
| Meat Combo | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken and Shrimp | Grill or sauté | Balanced and flavorful |
| Chicken and Sausage | Grill or sauté | Rich and hearty |
| Bacon and Sausage | Fry or bake | Smoky and spicy |
Tip: Cook the chicken and shrimp separately to ensure they’re both perfectly cooked, then toss them together with the pesto pasta.
2. Sausage and Bacon: A Flavor Explosion
For those who love bold flavors, combining sausage and bacon is a match made in heaven. The spicy sausage and smoky bacon create a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner.
Why Sausage and Bacon Work Well Together:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy sausage and smoky bacon creates a rich, flavorful dish.
- Hearty Texture: Both meats add a satisfying bite to the pasta.
- Versatility: This combo works well with various types of pasta, not just pesto.
| Meat Combo | How to Prepare | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage and Bacon | Sauté together | Rich and flavorful |
| Steak and Sausage | Grill or sauté | Hearty and satisfying |
| Chicken and Bacon | Grill or fry | Light and smoky |
Tip: Crumble the bacon and sausage into the pasta to distribute the flavors evenly.
Conclusion
When it comes to pairing meat with pesto pasta, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer the classic choice of chicken, the luxurious feel of shrimp, the boldness of Italian sausage, or the rich flavor of steak, there’s a meat out there that will complement your pesto pasta perfectly. You can even mix and match different meats to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Experiment with different combinations and cooking methods to find what works best for you. And don’t forget to consider the texture, flavor, and cooking time of the meat you choose. With a little creativity, you can elevate your pesto pasta to a whole new level.
FAQs
Can I use turkey with pesto pasta?
Yes, turkey is a great option, especially ground turkey or turkey sausage. It’s lean and has a mild flavor that works well with pesto.
What’s the best way to cook meat for pesto pasta?
Grilling, sautéing, or baking are all excellent methods. Choose the method based on the type of meat you’re using and the flavor you want to achieve.
Can I add meatballs to pesto pasta?
Absolutely! Meatballs, whether made from beef, pork, or chicken, can add a hearty touch to your pesto pasta.
Is fish a good option with pesto pasta?
Yes, fish like salmon or cod can pair wonderfully with pesto pasta, especially if you enjoy a lighter, healthier dish.
How do I keep the meat from overpowering the pesto?
Choose lean cuts of meat and avoid heavy seasoning. The goal is to complement the pesto, not compete with it.
Now that you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken or looking to try something new like shrimp or steak, there’s a perfect meat out there just waiting to be paired with your pesto pasta. Enjoy!