Homemade Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan and Pine Nuts Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness Directions: In a food processor, combine basil leaves and pine nuts. Pulse a few times to chop. Add garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pulse again until well combined. With the processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if desired and pulse briefly to incorporate. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: 1 cup (about 8 servings) #pestolove #freshbasil #homemadecondiments #pestopasta #basilrecipes #saucerecipe #italianflavors #easypesto #quickrecipes #garlicandherbs #pineandparmesan #oliveoilrecipes #greenpesto #nocookingneeded #classicpesto #mediterraneandiet #lowcarbsauce #diykitchen #summersauces #herbgardenrecipes Basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil = the dream team 💚 Make your own pesto in just 10 minutes! So fresh, so flavorful! 🌿🧄🧀

Tuscan Chicken Soup Hearty Tuscan-Inspired Chicken and Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 3 celery stalks, sliced 1 zucchini, diced 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini; cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts whole to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 #tuscansoup #chickensouprecipe #italiancomfortfood #heartymeals #homemadesoup #vegetablepacked #easyitalianrecipes #souprecipes #chickenandpasta #winterwarmer #healthysoup #italianflavors #weeknightdinner #mealprepideas #souplovers #spinachrecipes #comfortfood #slowcookedflavor #homemadehealing #delicioussoups Cozy up with a bowl of Tuscan Chicken Soup! 🍲 Hearty veggies, tender chicken, and a touch of Italian herbs make this the ultimate comfort food. 🍅🍗🌿

Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese Juicy Balsamic-Glazed Chicken Breast Topped with Melted Mozzarella Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour half of the balsamic mixture over them. Turn to coat evenly. Bake chicken for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon the remaining balsamic mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 #balsamicchicken #bakedchicken #mozzarellacheese #easychickenrecipe #glutenfree #healthymeals #lowcarb #weeknightdinner #italianflavors #chickenbreast #homecooking #comfortfood #familymeals #proteinpacked #quickmeals #mealprep #cheesychicken #flavorfulrecipes #ovenbaked #italianrecipe This Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella is everything you need for a quick, flavorful dinner! Juicy chicken glazed in tangy balsamic and topped with melty cheese — pure comfort food! 🧄🍗🧀

Lasagna Rolls Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Marinara Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles 2 cups ricotta cheese 1 egg 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed 2 cups marinara sauce 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried basil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each lasagna noodle and roll tightly. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Place rolled noodles seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #lasagnarolls #easyitalianfood #weeknightdinner #familydinner #homemadepasta #comfortfood #bakedpasta #ricottarecipes #mozzarellalove #pastaideas #marinarasauce #cheesylove #pastabake #italianflavors #rolledlasagna #meatlessmeals #vegetariancomfortfood #ovenbaked #cheesepull #homecookedmeals Looking for a cozy, cheesy, and easy dinner? These Lasagna Rolls are packed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and smothered in marinara! 🧀🍅🍝

Italian Pot Roast Slow-Cooked Italian Herb Pot Roast with Rich Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups crushed tomatoes 1 cup beef broth 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional) 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 2 bay leaves 3 large carrots, cut into chunks 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove roast and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer. Return the roast to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Add carrots and celery around the roast. Cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #italianpotroast #potroast #slowcookedbeef #comfortfood #italianrecipes #beefroast #homemadefood #slowcooking #heartymeals #dinnerideas #familymeals #rusticcooking #beefrecipes #soulfood #italianflavors #easyrecipes #onepotmeals #comfortmeals #weeknightdinner #foodie Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Italian Pot Roast slow-cooked to tender perfection in a fragrant tomato and herb sauce. A perfect family dinner! 🍖🍅🌿