Montecarlo Pasta: Restaurant-Style Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce and Fresh Basil Pesto

Serve with: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Add crusty bread or a green salad on the side.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy.

Variations
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Cream-Free Option: Skip the cream and add a bit more pesto for a lighter version.

Nut-Free Pesto: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether.

FAQ
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, but fresh homemade pesto enhances the flavor significantly.

What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but you can use spaghetti or tagliatelle too.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make the meat sauce and pesto ahead, and simply boil pasta fresh before serving.