Baked Ziti with Mozzarella Cheesy Baked Ziti with Melted Mozzarella and Rich Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 650 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #bakedziti #italiancomfortfood #cheesypasta #mozarellapasta #homemadeitalian #comfortfoodrecipes #pastaovenbake #heartymeals #familydinner #easydinnerrecipes #italianrecipes #pastaandcheese #weeknightdinner #ricottacheese #groundbeefrecipes #italiandish #tomatosauce #pastafood #cheeselover #homecooking Indulge in this classic Baked Ziti with Mozzarella—layers of cheesy goodness and rich meat sauce baked to bubbly perfection! Perfect for family dinners!

Beef and Wild Rice Pilaf Savory Beef and Aromatic Wild Rice Pilaf Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 1 cup wild rice blend 2 1/2 cups beef broth 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Salt to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Rinse the wild rice under cold water and drain. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the wild rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. While the rice cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes. When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and stir in the cooked vegetables, thyme, and beef. Mix gently to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #beefrecipes #wildrice #pilaf #comfortfood #easymeals #dinnerideas #onepotmeal #savorydishes #homecooking #healthyrecipes #glutenfree #heartymeals #proteinrich #balancedmeal #simplecooking #familydinner #seasonalrecipes #ricepilaf #mealprep #foodlover Warm up your dinner with this hearty and savory Beef and Wild Rice Pilaf! Perfectly balanced flavors in every bite.

Roasted Garlic and Zucchini Pasta Creamy Roasted Garlic and Tender Zucchini Pasta Delight Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons 1 whole bulb of garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Juice of half a lemon Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. While garlic roasts, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini slices, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste. Add the roasted garlic paste to the skillet with zucchini. Toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, if using. Slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce, tossing until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #roastedgarlicpasta #zucchinipasta #italianrecipes #pastarecipe #vegetarianmeal #comfortfood #easyweeknightdinner #garliclover #healthyrecipes #simplemeals #freshingredients #italiancuisine #homecooking #pastaideas #summerrecipes #freshbasil #parmesancheese #garlicflavor #veggiepasta #deliciousdinner Craving comfort food with a fresh twist? Try this Roasted Garlic and Zucchini Pasta—creamy, flavorful, and easy to make any night of the week!

Chef John's Chicken Kiev Golden Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Kiev Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, beaten 1 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) Fresh lemon wedges, for garnish Directions: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shape into a log using plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to about 1/4-inch thickness. Slice frozen herb butter into four portions. Place one portion in the center of each chicken breast. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, securing with toothpicks. Place rolled chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika in the third. Dredge each chilled chicken roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken roll for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove toothpicks, rest for 5 minutes, and serve with lemon wedges. Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #chickenkiev #herbbutter #chefjohn #crispychicken #homemadegoodness #goldenfried #garlicbutter #chickendinner #weeknightmeals #easydinner #butterchickenroll #comfortfood #classicrecipe #familydinner #kievstyle #europeanflavors #homecooking #herbsandspices #chickenrecipes #bakedchicken Crispy, buttery, and filled with garlicky herb goodness! My take on Chef John’s Chicken Kiev is bursting with flavor and comfort in every bite. A golden classic you’ll want to make again and again!

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!