Chunky Marinara Sauce Rustic Italian-Style Chunky Tomato Marinara Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor) Directions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and chunky. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve with pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal per serving (1/2 cup) | Servings: 6 servings #chunkymarinara #homemadetomatosauce #italiansauce #pastasauce #comfortfood #easyitalianrecipes #tomatorecipes #italianflavors #rusticsauce #healthyitalian #vegetarianrecipes #italiancomfortfood #slowcooksauce #marinarasauce #italianhomemade #saucelovers #tomatolove #pastaenthusiast #classicitalian #italianfamilymeals Whip up this rustic Chunky Marinara Sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and tomato goodness. Perfect for your favorite pasta night!

Roasted Cauliflower and Pesto Pasta Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape) 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Juice of 1/2 lemon Fresh basil leaves for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and golden brown. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add roasted cauliflower to the skillet, stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, add cooked pasta, pesto, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #roastedcauliflower #pestopasta #vegetarianrecipes #comfortfood #italianflavors #pastalover #easyweeknightdinner #healthyrecipes #basilpesto #veggielove #homecooking #meatlessmonday #freshingredients #lemonflavor #garliclover #plantbasedmeals #simpledinners #roastedveggies #parmesanlove #pastadishes Cozy up with this Roasted Cauliflower and Pesto Pasta Tender, golden cauliflower paired with fresh basil pesto makes every bite a flavor explosion!

Beef and Spaghetti Squash Savory Ground Beef with Roasted Spaghetti Squash Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup marinara sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place cut sides down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender. While squash is roasting, heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, dried oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Once spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large bowl or directly onto plates. Top the spaghetti squash strands with the beef sauce mixture. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #spaghettisquash #beefrecipes #lowcarbmeals #healthycomfortfood #glutenfree #groundbeefrecipes #easymeals #familydinner #roastedveggies #ketorecipes #cleanrecipes #homemade #italianflavors #comfortfood #simplerecipes #mealprep #proteinpacked #healthyliving #savorymeals #dinnerideas Looking for a healthy twist on classic spaghetti? Try this Beef and Spaghetti Squash — low-carb, flavorful, and hearty!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Directions: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Pour in heavy cream and pesto. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: Approximately 580 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #pestopasta #chickenpasta #easymeals #comfortfood #quickdinner #weeknightdinner #pastalovers #basilpesto #homecooking #italianflavors #parmesancheese #sundriedtomatoes #creamyrecipes #familydinner #cherryTomatoes #herbypasta #freshbasil #pastarecipe #easypastarecipe #pestochicken Pesto Chicken Pasta is your next go-to weeknight dinner! Creamy, herby, and packed with juicy chicken and tomatoes—it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it looks!

Italian Dressing Classic Zesty Italian Herb Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon honey or sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and dried herbs until combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld. Shake well before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal (per 2 tablespoons) | Servings: About 8 servings #italiandressing #vinaigrette #homemadedressing #saladdressing #italianflavors #freshherbs #oliveoil #easyhomemade #healthydressing #zestyitalian #flavorfulvinaigrette #saladlover #kitchenbasics #weeknightmeals #cleanrecipes #lowcarb #glutenfree #dairyfree #hearthealthy #freshandflavorful 🥗 Brighten up your salads with this classic Italian Dressing — tangy, herb-packed, and homemade with simple ingredients you already have!