Here we have a zesty dish that in the past 12 months – I would rank as one of my favorites. I ate this bowl of basil beef pesto fettucine in literally 4 minutes. How is that for indigestion issues?
Every flavor was so amazing. The dish is comprised of everything I love – basil, beef, pesto, carrots and whole wheat pasta. Can one really go wrong? I will let you answer that.
As for the technique for making the sauce, I chose the braising method. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, I had a chunk of roast beef saved from a previous meal that was sitting idle in the fridge. I wanted to revive it and make it moist and tender again. Secondly, I chose a sturdy carrot to go in the sauce. To mitigate the issue of a soggy carrot, I cut the carrots quite large on the bias and added them in last to the braising liquid.
The addition of the pesto was easy as I had some left overs from the other day when I made a nice sized batch. This stuff is sooooooo good.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups whole wheat fettucine
- 1/2 Cup pesto
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Carrots (chopped)
- 1/4 Beef stock
- 1/4 Water
- 1 1/2 Cups cooked beef (chopped)
- 1 Garlic clove (chopped)
- Fresh parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Method
- Cook pasta according to directions.
- Preheat saucepan to medium heat and sear the beef (about 3 minutes).
- Add chopped garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.
- Toss in carrot and stir; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add stock and water, turn the temperature up to high and bring to a boil; Do not put the lid on.
- Let the liquid reduce to a thick consistency.
- Add pesto and stir until warmed through.
- Drain pasta and add to sauce; toss together.
- ENJOY!
Zesty Tip: Before adding the braising liquid, as I always say, sear the beef before hand in a little olive oil and lock in the flavors.
This dish will work equally well with chicken or pork. To convert this recipe into a vegetarian dish, you could add tofu or simply bulk up on the veggies and be happy.
Question of the day: What is your favorite dish involving pesto?
I hope you have a great day and I look forward to all the exciting feedback and comments.
Take care
zesty
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Whether it is about recipes, food techniques, food tips, or meal suggestions in a rush - this is your one stop food shop. When I was sitting at home - I always wanted to write a blog and help people in everyday life come up with innovative and different approaches to food. So here it is - released for all to see - I hope you enjoy!
Favorite dish involving pesto = pasta!!
Zesty, that looks so good.
I love pesto on sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and tomato, and i love it on pizza.
morning zest.
any tips on WHAT to use to sear a large beef tenderloin? I am having my family over for Easter and am making a roast, but I would like to use your tip to sear it before I cook it! I have a large enough roasting pan, but not a pot. ideas?
Hey Zesty…love the site! To answer your question, my favorite pesto dish is a pesto/pear/shrimp flatbread…yummy! Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Great use of leftovers!
My mom has a favorite dish like that, except it doesn’t have pesto in it. But yes, the carrots and the beef braised together are wonderfully delish!
LOVE your blog! Your photos are so tantalizing!
I just started a blog of my own, check it out when you get a moment!
MMM, I made eggplant pesto paninis last night and they were weird but tasted GREAT!
You can send the tofu version over to me. I am waiting with fork in hand.
I’m a beef person and you don’t see a dish like this very often, thanks!!
oh man, that sounds awesome!!!
anything with pesto is a winner to me
Great recipe!
I need nothing else to go along with my pesto…except maybe a spoon.
Oh this looks fantastic. I love pesto, I’d be happy just to smear it over a crusty baguette, delish!
My goodness… that looks DELICIOUS!! And totally healthy! Thanks for the recipe!
That looks awesome, and I will probably put that on my menu for the week, provided the fiance feels better!
Fave way to use pesto: on a fresh bruschetta-type appetizer or on a warm sandwich with fresh mozz.
I tried this recipe tonight and LOVED it! It was fast, easy and very tasty. Probably one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I made my own pesto, and I think that made it even better! Thanks for posting this recipe, I will definitely make this one again!