65+ Italian-Inspired Home Chef Recipes - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/cuisine/italian/ simple, yet special, recipes for the home chef. Sat, 30 Dec 2023 02:33:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://foxeslovelemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/favicon-200x200.ico 65+ Italian-Inspired Home Chef Recipes - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/cuisine/italian/ 32 32 Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/rigatoni-bolognese/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/rigatoni-bolognese/#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=27296 Rigatoni Bolognese is a make-ahead marvel that requires no tedious vegetable chopping. Both kids and adults will love this easy but elegant restaurant-quality dish. Rigatoni bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish I learned to make in culinary school. It’s a classic Italian dish that never fails to satisfy your taste buds. Patience is key […]

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Rigatoni Bolognese is a make-ahead marvel that requires no tedious vegetable chopping. Both kids and adults will love this easy but elegant restaurant-quality dish.

Black bowl filled with rigatoni alla bolognese, with black fork digging in.

Rigatoni bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish I learned to make in culinary school. It’s a classic Italian dish that never fails to satisfy your taste buds.

Patience is key for this long-simmered meat sauce, but your patience will be rewarded with a depth of flavor that is worth the wait.

Today, I’m sharing tips for how to choose the best ingredients and the perfect noodle shape, as well as how to make rigatoni alla bolognese ahead of time, and refrigerate it or freeze it for future meals.

Why you will love this Meat Sauce Rigatoni

  • You BARELY need a cutting board, as your food processor is going to do almost all of veggie prep work.
  • This is a family-friendly recipe that will be loved by both kids and adults.
  • Once you’ve learned how to make the bolognese sauce, it’s a versatile sauce that you can serve with just about any type of pasta, or even on a bed of creamy polenta for a gourmet twist.
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Stuffed Chicken Alfredo Shells https://foxeslovelemons.com/alfredo-stuffed-shells/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/alfredo-stuffed-shells/#comments Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=25657 Make Stuffed Chicken Alfredo Shells with leftover or rotisserie chicken. Bake in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges, and add a touch of lemon zest to brighten everything up. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Chances are, if people were polled and asked for words and phrases synomous with “comfort food,” that both stuffed shells and […]

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Make Stuffed Chicken Alfredo Shells with leftover or rotisserie chicken. Bake in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges, and add a touch of lemon zest to brighten everything up.

A cast iron skillet filled with chicken alfredo stuffed shells, with a spoon scooping some sauce out.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Chances are, if people were polled and asked for words and phrases synomous with “comfort food,” that both stuffed shells and alfredo would be high up on the list of results.

I saw no reason not to combine these ideas to make the ultimate comfort food dish, so here we are.

This recipe for chicken alfredo stuffed shells is the best one out there, in my opinion. The alfredo sauce has a hint of lemon zest to brighten it up, and the shells are baked in a cast iron skillet so they get some yummy crusty edges.

Why you will love these Stuffed Alfredo Shells

  • So rich and creamy! Every bite is indulgent comfort.
  • Loved by all ages. This makes it perfect for family dinners or a gathering.
  • Make with leftover cooked chicken, or grab a rotisserie chicken. Or leftover turkey after Thanksgiving!
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Lasagna made with Cottage Cheese https://foxeslovelemons.com/lasagna-cottage-cheese/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/lasagna-cottage-cheese/#comments Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=22067 Lasagna with Cottage Cheese has been an affordable and delicious favorite of Midwestern families for generations. Layers of rich meat sauce, pasta, creamy filling and cheese make this the best meal! This Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese has been in my family for generations! Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for lasagna with cottage cheese. […]

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Lasagna with Cottage Cheese has been an affordable and delicious favorite of Midwestern families for generations. Layers of rich meat sauce, pasta, creamy filling and cheese make this the best meal!

Piece of lasagna recipe with cottage cheese with a side salad on a rustic white plate.

This Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese has been in my family for generations!

Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for lasagna with cottage cheese. My mom got the recipe from her mom, and she often made this for Christmas day when I was a kid (and sometimes my birthday, too!).

First things first, let’s get this out of the way: Is this lasagna recipe with cottage cheese authentically Italian? No. Is it delicious? Absolutely.

YES, as the name makes crystal clear, this is lasagna without ricotta, and it uses cottage cheese instead. Yes, I know that ricotta is more traditional in authentic Italian food.

But hey, this recipe is from the Midwest (ope!), where cottage cheese is readily available, affordable, and delicious, and I am here. for. it.

Why you will love this Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

  • One of the very best freezer meals ever. Bake, cool, then cut into pieces and freeze for several future meals.
  • Won’t empty your wallet. Putting together a big pan of lasagna can be a pricy proposition, but using cottage cheese and deli mozzarella slices instead of expensive ricotta and fresh mozzarella helps keep costs down.
  • Customize to your liking by using a combo of beef and sausage, all one or the other, or another meat like ground turkey.

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Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth https://foxeslovelemons.com/creamy-chicken-tortellini-mushroom-soup/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/creamy-chicken-tortellini-mushroom-soup/#comments Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=9548 This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of the most flavorful soup recipes you’ll find. Use simple ingredients to whip up this weeknight winner! This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe will become a weeknight favorite! My daughter has turned into a certified soup kid. She loves any and all soup. Which means that I’m planning […]

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This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of the most flavorful soup recipes you’ll find. Use simple ingredients to whip up this weeknight winner!

Black bowls filled with creamy chicken tortellini soup.

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe will become a weeknight favorite!

My daughter has turned into a certified soup kid. She loves any and all soup. Which means that I’m planning on lots of soup for dinners this winter. Because you know what? I’m a soup kid, too.

One of our all-time favorites is this Chicken Tortellini Soup. When I say it’s the most flavorful soup you’ll find on the internet, I mean it.

Ingredient choices like chicken thighs and a hint of nutmeg might be a little unconventional, but you’ll understand after just one spoonful!

“This was brought to a soup bar at school on a parent night to serve teachers. It is still, 3 years later, discussed as the best soup we’ve eaten. We actually hunted down the parent who made the soup and got the recipe to pass around. It is still common in the halls to hear, “I made the chicken tortellini soup last night!” Yup, that good.”

—Melissa
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Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/caprese-braised-chicken/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/caprese-braised-chicken/#comments Tue, 12 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=10092 This Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe elevates grocery store ingredients at any time of the year. One skillet brings together succulent chicken breasts, sweet burst tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Baked Chicken Caprese is bursting with flavor! If the word “caprese” makes your mouth water, this is the perfect chicken recipe for you. While […]

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This Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe elevates grocery store ingredients at any time of the year. One skillet brings together succulent chicken breasts, sweet burst tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.

A white platter topped with baked chicken caprese over pesto spaghetti.

This Baked Chicken Caprese is bursting with flavor!

If the word “caprese” makes your mouth water, this is the perfect chicken recipe for you.

While caprese salad is best at the height of summer when tomatoes are at their peak, this Baked Chicken Caprese uses grocery store grape tomatoes any time of the year.

This skillet baked recipe uses simple ingredients to make succulent chicken breasts topped with a sweet burst tomato sauce and gooey cheese.

Why you will love this Chicken Caprese Recipe

  • The chicken and sauce come together in one skillet.
  • Great any time of year. Even when tomatoes aren’t at their peak, this recipe will bring out their sweetness.
  • Looks fancy, but uses ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
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Creamy Lasagna Soup (2 Ways – Stovetop or Crock Pot) https://foxeslovelemons.com/lasagna-soup/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/lasagna-soup/#comments Mon, 11 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=41444 Creamy Lasagna Soup uses smart, streamlined ingredient choices to capture the rich essence of classic lasagna in an easy-to-make soup. Choose your method – stovetop or slow cooker! Best Lasagna Soup Recipe This Lasagna Soup brings together all of the flavors of my family’s classic Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese, but takes MUCH less time […]

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Creamy Lasagna Soup uses smart, streamlined ingredient choices to capture the rich essence of classic lasagna in an easy-to-make soup. Choose your method – stovetop or slow cooker!

Creamy Lasagna Soup in rustic bowls, topped with ricotta, Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Lasagna Soup brings together all of the flavors of my family’s classic Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese, but takes MUCH less time than putting together a traditional lasagna.

This will definitely hit the spot for anybody craving lasagna but pressed for time. The combination of two different types of meat, herbs and spices, and a rich tomato broth make this the best lasagna soup recipe out there.

Why you will love this recipe for Lasagna Soup

  • Depth of Flavor. Captures the rich and hearty essence of traditional lasagna!
  • Two Cooking Methods. Whether you prefer the convenience of the stovetop or the set-it-and-forget it ease of a slow cooker lasagna soup, I’ve got you covered.
  • Customizable. Get creative and use different types of meat or add in extra vegetables to make it your own.
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Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet https://foxeslovelemons.com/sausage-pasta/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/sausage-pasta/#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=25989 This Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a comforting yet veggie-packed meal that can be customized to each diner’s taste. Add spice, cheese or herbs! Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a weeknight wonder! What are the go to weeknight meals in your home? For my family, it’s all about those all-in-one recipes, where your carbs, protein […]

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This Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a comforting yet veggie-packed meal that can be customized to each diner’s taste. Add spice, cheese or herbs!

A white skillet filled with an Italian sausage pasta recipe topped with fresh herbs.

Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a weeknight wonder!

What are the go to weeknight meals in your home?

For my family, it’s all about those all-in-one recipes, where your carbs, protein and veggies all come from the same recipe, no side dishes needed.

This Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a classic example. Ground sausage comes together with lots of onions and bell peppers in a simple tomato sauce, then you toss everything with pasta and dinner is served.

Why you’ll love this Sausage Pasta Skillet

  • Customize it to your liking. Make it spicier, or change up the veggies!
  • No rigatoni? No problem. Use any pasta shape you have on hand.
  • You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in 30 minutes.
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Peach Burrata Salad https://foxeslovelemons.com/peach-salad/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/peach-salad/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=40268 This Peach Burrata Salad has grilled peaches and luscious burrata cheese that are paired with rustic pesto croutons that you’ll want to gobble up before they even reach the table. This Burrata Peach Salad is the perfect balance of flavor. Since I’m not the world’s biggest fan of peaches eaten on their own or in […]

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This Peach Burrata Salad has grilled peaches and luscious burrata cheese that are paired with rustic pesto croutons that you’ll want to gobble up before they even reach the table.

A large black geometric platter piled high with grilled peach burrata salad, garnished with lots of fresh herbs and pine nuts.

This Burrata Peach Salad is the perfect balance of flavor.

Since I’m not the world’s biggest fan of peaches eaten on their own or in sweet dishes, my goal this summer was to make the best savory peach dish ever.

This Burrata Peach Salad lives up to those expectations and more.

While many peach burrata salads also include tomatoes or avocado for filler, or prosciutto, this one needs no filler or meat at all.

The co-stars of this show are lots of juicy grilled peaches and luscious burrata cheese.

The supporting players are a flurry of fresh herbs, pine nuts, and a sweet-savory dressing made with honey and shallots.

The special guest star is some rustic pesto croutons which you’ll want to gobble up before they even make it onto the salad.

Why you will love this peach salad

  • It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, like chicken or steak.
  • It can also be eaten as a meatless entree with some crusty bread alongside.
  • Its memorable combination of flavors will have you craving peach season each year.
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The Best Chicken Pizza Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/grilled-chicken-pizza/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/grilled-chicken-pizza/#comments Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=25063 This Chicken Pizza comes together in about 30 minutes, and is made with a bunch of grocery store shortcuts, but it still has big gourmet pizzeria flavor. Recipe includes instructions to make it either on the grill or in the oven. This chicken pizza recipe has layers of flavor! A recipe with this much flavor […]

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This Chicken Pizza comes together in about 30 minutes, and is made with a bunch of grocery store shortcuts, but it still has big gourmet pizzeria flavor. Recipe includes instructions to make it either on the grill or in the oven.

Overhead photo of cut chicken pizza on cutting board with knife.

This chicken pizza recipe has layers of flavor!

A recipe with this much flavor is usually one that involves hours and hours to develop that flavor (totally true of my fettuccine bolognese).

But, just like my gyro pizza, this chicken pizza recipe uses shortcuts from the grocery store to achieve a gourmet pizzeria flavor in just about a half an hour.

With unique, chef-inspired ingredients like roasted garlic, fresh mozzarella cheese and everything bagel seasoning, this will be the best chicken breast pizza you’ve ever made at home.

The recipe card includes instructions for cooking it in the oven OR on the grill (a perfect summer meal).

Why you will love this pizza with chicken

  • Shortcut ideas for just about every ingredient. Sure, you COULD make your own pizza dough, roast your own garlic, and cook your own chicken, but you don’t HAVE to, and I’ll show you how.
  • Done in about 30 minutes. Using recommended shortcuts, this pizza should be ready in 34 minutes.
  • Great for meal prep. Many of the elements can be made in advance, like cooking the chicken and roasting the garlic. So it’s super easy to put together after work.
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Balsamic Steak Marinade Sauce https://foxeslovelemons.com/balsamic-steak-marinade/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/balsamic-steak-marinade/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=39523 This Balsamic Steak Marinade can be made using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to measure anything precisely, so it couldn’t be easier! This is the Best Steak Marinade It’s probably a Midwest thing, but I grew up eating flank steak marinated in bottled Italian salad dressing. And honestly, it […]

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This Balsamic Steak Marinade can be made using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to measure anything precisely, so it couldn’t be easier!

A cooked, sliced flank steak that has been marinated in balsamic steak marinade, on a speckled platter, with rosemary garnishing the steak.

This is the Best Steak Marinade

It’s probably a Midwest thing, but I grew up eating flank steak marinated in bottled Italian salad dressing. And honestly, it was so so good. 10/10 would eat again.

Recently I wanted to make steak lettuce wraps with flank steak and wanted to marinate the steaks first. I was kind of craving something along the lines of that Italian dressing, but didn’t want to run to the store for a bottle of dressing.

I did have a bottle of balsamic vinegar on hand after making my balsamic glaze recipe, so I started there. Using that, along with some other things I had around, I was able to whip this marinade up in just a few minutes.

Use this Balsamic Steak Marinade for flank steak, skirt steak, or any other cut of beef you would like to marinate before cooking.

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