Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Name: Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta; 2 beef tenderloin steaks (6 ounces each); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 6 cups), coarsely chopped; 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup prepared pesto; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Unique and simple to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and it’s as healthy as it is hearty. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this meal on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
2 beef tenderloin steaks (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 6 cups), coarsely chopped
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup prepared pesto
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. Grill steaks, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 5-7 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°).
Drain pasta; transfer to a large bowl. Add spinach, tomatoes, pesto and walnuts; toss to coat. Cut steak into thin slices. Serve pasta mixture with beef; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 532 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 9g fiber), 35g protein.

Originally published as Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto in Healthy Cooking February/March 2012

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mumsay

Aug 9, 2015

Simple, delicious recipe. The only changes I made were using goat cheese instead of blue cheese and pecans instead of walnuts. Even my picky husband who isn't fond of salads said it doesn't suck, which translates to "it's tasty" - just not his favorite meal.
mamamo123

Feb 6, 2015

An excellent recipe. Get your deli to cut a few thicker slices of roast beef, then the dish comes together really fast.
Grace1018

Jul 10, 2014

This was excellent. I followed the recipe. If you want to save money, omit the cheese.
sdipiazza

Feb 7, 2014

Easy and delicious...I substituted 6 oz. of petite sirloin which was tough even after marinating in red wine so I would stick with the beef tenderloin but just use 4-6 ounces for 4 servings. I think deli roast beef would be a worthwhile substitute for the steak as well. Worth trying...but the whole dish was so delicious.
kristenkcole

Jun 3, 2012

Excellent quick and healthy dish. Would be just as good without the beef.
rganderson22

May 2, 2012

This is one of my favorites! My husband does not care for uncooked tomatoes, so I lightly saute them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and wilt the spinach with the tomatoes. We also have used venison steak instead of beef.
aprilm.cook

Apr 24, 2012

We love this recipe, it is quick, easy and delicious.
kcrabtree27

Apr 5, 2012

This was delicious! I topped mine with blue cheese and my husband had feta. It was equally great. After I tossed everything together, except meat and cheese, I put in oven for a bit to cook spinach and tomato a bit more.
vicki485

Jan 29, 2012

I have never rated any recipes, but I couldn't let this one go. It was AMAZING!! Everyone loved it. It will definitely be added as a favorite. It is a great combo of healthy yet hearty. Very fresh tasting.