Pasta Salad with Pesto

Traditional pasta salad is delicious but I think it's safe to say this pasta salad with upgraded Italian flavors is even better!

It doesn't require an overload of ingredients to really build up flavor, just a generous bowlful of fresh, highly scented basil and some good olive oil.

This pasta salad is easy to make, the pesto is even made in the food processor for a shortcut and the fresh mozzarella already comes pre-cut into tiny pearls.

And you'll love that this pairs well with so many summery grilled meats. I like to serve it with grilled chicken or steak and grilled corn on the cob.

It's adaptable to use other types of pasta and it will actually store well in the fridge for a day (or more if you wait to add the arugula).

Add this one to the dinner menu this week and save any extra for lunch the next day!

Easy Caprese Salad Christmas Tree Appetizer

Caprese salad is one of the easiest, tastiest Italian side dishes to prepare. And its natural colors just happen to be so perfectly Christmasy too so it only makes sense to bring the two things together for a deliciously festive dish making this cheery "Christmas tree".

This tasty "tree" is party perfect, makes enough for a crowd, doesn't require any special kitchen skills, and only needs a handful of ingredients. It's just a quick and simple, edible art project that will be the talk of the holiday gathering.

It's also a fun thing to do together if you've got friends or family around to help. Someone can slice while the other person assembles. Even kids can help with the layering assembly.

So many reasons to add this easy Christmas side dish to your holiday menu!

Looking for more fun ways to make pizza for a small crowd? Also try my easy French bread pizzas or bagel pizzas.

Easy Grilled Pizza Recipe

I've used this method to make pizzas regularly each and every summer. It's a fun family recipe to make together, and also great for serving to friends at parties and gatherings. Everyone loves to customize and top their own to just how they like.

You'll love this versatile recipe because you can use store-bought dough and sauce, or when time allows homemade of both is an excellent option. Just keep in mind with the shortcuts you can easily have these ready in under 30 minutes especially with friends or family help.

They are perfectly adaptable too. You can use other sauces, cheeses, and final toppings.

The key is just to stick to the simple process. That is to grill the crust on one side first, remove from the grill, flip it to that grill mark side, add your toppings, then grilling to finish after that. This way you end with a non-soggy crust that's not overly charred, and so much flavor throughout!

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta 

This tomato pasta recipe is one of my go-to options for busy weeknights. Made with just one pot and a saucepan, it’s ready in just a little over 30 minutes. You really can’t go wrong. 

If you’ve never had sun-dried tomatoes in pasta, prepare to be amazed. They’re one of my favorite ways to spruce up a simple dish with a pop of color and a rich, savory, slightly smokey flavor. 

I love to include them in recipes like my sun dried tomato basil and Parmesan orzo with chicken and this spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. However, this tomato pasta might be my favorite sun-dried tomato recipe yet. 

Made with al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s rich, creamy, and unbelievably satisfying. Plus, it features fresh spinach for a boost of nutrients and fiber. 

Basically, this sun dried tomato pasta has everything you could want in a homemade dinner and more. Quick to make, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. It’s sure to have all of your guests coming back for more!  

The Best Easy Risotto Recipe

So, what is risotto, anyway? Risotto is sometimes described as being the rice version of mac and cheese. A northern Italian dish, it is made by cooking starchy, short-grain rice with stock or broth until it becomes tender and creamy. It is also often given a boost of flavor with butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese as you’ll find in this recipe. 

If you’re wondering if risotto is difficult to make, the answer is not at all. A cross between rice and pasta, it comes together on the stovetop for a fairly hands-off recipe. You’ll find that one batch makes enough to feed up to 6 people, making it perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals. You can also easily half or double the recipe to fit your needs. Plus, it stores and reheats well, meaning you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. 

Simple yet elegant, the tender rice bursts with savory flavor and a satisfying, creamy texture. Warm and satisfying, this Parmesan risotto recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will make you feel like you’re dining at a 5-star restaurant. 

One bite and it will become a new favorite in your recipe lineup. 

Club Chicken Pasta Salad

This is a family favorite pasta salad! It's similar to the taste of a club chicken sandwich meets a ranch salad. In other words it's completely irresistible!

It has all the best flavors including the unmistakable taste of dill, sweet corn, vibrant tomatoes, crave-able cheese, meaty bacon, bone-in cooked chicken, and a rich tangy dressing. And if you want one more summery mix-in you can also include in a buttery avocado.

It makes an extra large batch which is perfectly fitting for a summer cook out of about 12 people, but the recipe can easily be halved as well for a smaller family lunch or dinner (amounts are included at the bottom of the recipe).

Though you'll find it also keeps well in the fridge so you may opt to just make the full batch and have the extra for lunch that's ready to go the following few days.

This chicken pasta salad is chilled and refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Plus it's such a tasty upgrade from traditional pasta salad. So much delicious goodness in every serving!

Simple Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

This is a staple recipe for a quick weeknight side dish. This garlic parm pasta is similar to cacio e pepe but includes butter and has less black pepper (unless you prefer an abundance for that kick).

It's amazing how you can get such a delicious dish with exceptional flavor out of so few ingredients.

You can also easy modify the recipe and include cooked shredded chicken, fresh bright lemon or try it with roasted garlic. Or just serve as is and pair it with roasted broccoli for a simple vegetarian dinner.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

So what is "marry me chicken" anyway? It's said that this popular chicken dish is so good your partner will be asking for a marriage proposal after tasting it.

Of course that's just an over the top statement that's just a joke, but its name is basically saying this is one of the tastiest chicken recipes you'll make. It's simply creamy sun dried tomato chicken but that title just doesn't do it justice.

It comes together quickly and doesn't require a hot oven, chicken breasts are just quickly cooked on the stove and finished with the best pan sauce.

Those sun dried tomatoes bring bold, concentrated tomato-y flavor and the cream balances it perfectly. And let's not forget to mention there's also a fair amount of garlic and parmesan included in the sauce as well to really build up layer after layer of flavor.

In other words no more boring chicken dinners! This sun dried tomato chicken sets the bar high.

Watch the Video!

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What Goes with Marry Me Chicken

I recommend serving this with:

• Pasta, I like it with lemon orzo or plain orzo
• White rice or risotto
• Steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Fresh rustic bread or breadsticks

A Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe!

This is likely to quick become a new family favorite! It's unbelievably easy to make yet the finished result is undeniably impressive for something so simple.

You get all the flavors of a traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. None of that tedious pre-cooking and repetitive layering. And huge bonus - there's not tons of extra dishes!

Let's also not forget you don't even need to turn the oven on. This is a cooked solely on the stovetop.

Which could also be nice if you want free up oven space to bake breadsticks, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli to pair with this.

A classic dish with a updated and simplified, modern weeknight spin. So much to love here, especially that overload of cheese!

Flavorful Chicken Bruschetta

Who doesn't love the classic bruschetta with vibrant Roma tomatoes, rich olive oil, bold garlic, and plenty of fresh basil? Convert that quartet of ingredients into a smothered chicken dish and you'll have a dinner people won't forget!

It's a full flavored, well rounded, Italian style dish that has layer after layer of fresh goodness.

You won't see the bread included in this recipe elsewhere but I'd say it's a must (unless you are on a special diet and need to reduce carbs of course). It brings that authenticity and texture to this dish, you'll love the toasty golden brown flavor and crunch of the crust.

You can use store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze in this recipe. Did you know it only requires one ingredient to make it? Which you probably already have, just balsamic vinegar and that's it!

It's the ultimate finishing touch to this recipe.

Add this chicken bruschetta to the menu this week, you don't want to pass on this one!