Shells with Pesto Meat Sauce

Have I mentioned how much I love Friday?  It's my third favorite day of the week... I mean, sure, you gotta go to work (or at least I do), but it's the only day of the work week when you can look forward to the next day of NO WORK!!  Saturday is truly the best because not only do you not have to work that day, BUT, you don't have to worry about working the next day either!!!  Life is so simple sometimes!!!

And speaking of simple.... this pasta was not only simple, but delicious and comforting to boot - three things that should be at the top of everyone's favorite pasta dishes!  And, to make things even easier, I went with a store bought pesto.  Oh, I know there will be people out there that say "why? when you can make your own so easily"... and you truly can, but for this dish, I would recommend the store bought because of the ease and the fact that it's not the star of the show anyway.  Whichever way you go, though, prepare yourself for a good, hearty pasta dish that will have your family asking for more!

Shells with Pesto Meat Sauce
Adapted from Food & Wine
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
8oz shell pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 lbs ground beef
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes, partially drained
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
3 Tablespoons prepared pesto (homemade or store bought is fine)
1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and reduce heat to medium low.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.  Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.  Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and increase heat to medium - medium high.  Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes.   Drain off any excess grease.  Stir in the tomatoes and Italian seasoning.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Allow to simmer for 8 minutes.  Add the pesto and parmesan cheese and let simmer another 5-8 minutes.  Toss in the cooked pasta and serve with warm crusty bread.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Korean Grilled Chicken
Two Years Ago:  Mustard Roasted Potatoes
Three Years Ago:  Honey Mustard Chicken