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!

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!

Shrimp and Potato Salad Creamy Shrimp and Herb-Infused Potato Salad Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Place baby potatoes in a pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add cooled potatoes, cooked shrimp, celery, green onions, and dill to the bowl. Gently toss to combine all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra dill if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #shrimpsalad #potatosalad #seafoodrecipes #summerrecipes #easymeals #picnicfood #freshflavors #creamyrecipes #lightmeals #healthyrecipes #mealprep #familydinner #seafoodlover #freshherbs #comfortfood #proteinpacked #dillrecipes #lemonflavor #easyrecipes #quickmeals Fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor — this Shrimp and Potato Salad is perfect for your next picnic or light dinner!

Eggplant and Tomato Soup Creamy Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Soup with Herbs Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, peeled and diced 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced eggplant with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. In a large pot, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, roasted eggplant, smoked paprika, and oregano to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #eggplantsoup #tomatosoup #vegetablesoup #comfortfood #healthyrecipes #veganrecipes #glutenfree #plantbased #souprecipes #homemadesoup #fallrecipes #lightmeals #easyrecipes #cleanrecipes #roastedvegetables #herbflavors #healthyeating #seasonalrecipes #soulfood #dinnerideas Warm up with this creamy and flavorful Eggplant and Tomato Soup — roasted to perfection and packed with herbs!

Italian Porchetta – Herb-Stuffed Roast Pork Belly A celebratory centerpiece from central Italy, Porchetta is pork belly rolled with garlic, rosemary, and fennel, roasted to create juicy meat and crispy skin. Ingredients (Serves 6–8): * 2kg pork belly, skin-on, boneless * 6 garlic cloves, minced * 2 tbsp fennel seeds * 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped * Zest of 1 lemon * Salt, pepper, olive oil Instructions: 1. Score skin and season pork belly with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. 2. Roll tightly and tie with butcher’s twine. 3. Roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2.5 hours. Increase to 230°C (450°F) for last 30 minutes to crisp skin. 4. Rest before slicing. Serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread. Italian Tip: Porchetta is often served cold in sandwiches at street markets (panino con porchetta).