This post is in collaboration with Vero Gusto®, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Growing up, Sunday dinners were a tradition and they always included pasta and sauce. I knew one day when I had my own family, I wanted to carry on in a similar way. My husband and I both work ’non traditional’ jobs, which means we sometimes don’t always get to eat dinner together or have time to plan elaborate meals. If you’ve been following me on Instagram or reading my blog for a minute, you know that I am all about simple, affordable, and easy to make meals that will still bring your family together when possible. That’s why I choose Vero Gusto® because you’ll always receive the premium pasta sauce taste at an affordable price. 
Helping me do this on “Pasta Sunday” is a staple in my pantry: Vero Gusto® Sauce by Barilla®. Made in Parma, Italy, this sauce is made with the finest regional ingredients: Italian tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Simple, right?! That’s why I’m such a fan even more; it has no added sugar, tomato paste, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. For my GF friends, it’s also gluten-free (woohoo!). It truly brings the homemade flavor while saving myself some time in the kitchen.

There are a selection of Vero Gusto® sauces to choose from, but our go to is the Tomato & Basil. It features Genovese Basil, a protected designation of origin (PDO) product through the EU since 2005. It’s cultivation and quality are protected and what makes it special compared to other basil is the fact it has small sized tender leaves which have a very delicate sweet aroma. I know I can always find this stocked at my local Albertson’s grocery store. A quick trip to the store to grab this and a handful of other ingredients and you have yourself a seriously yummy meal!

This sauce is so versatile and can be easily incorporated in your favorite pasta dish, made with the finest regional ingredients that brings in an amazing depth of flavor. Our favorite to make with it is our family’s spicy stuffed shells.

To make this you need:
1 jar of Vero Gusto® Tomato & Basil sauce11×13 baking dish1/2 box Barilla® shells1/2 c ricotta 1lb ground spicy Italian sausage1 1/2 c frozen drained chopped spinach 1/2 c diced white onion1 tbsp fresh minced garlicSalt and pepper to taste1/4 grated parmesan1 c shredded mozzarella2 tbsp olive oil

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Brown the onion with the olive oil over a medium skillet. Add in garlic. While that is cooking, mix your ricotta and spinach together, along with salt and pepper. (Make sure you drain both the spinach and ricotta!) 
Once your onion is browned, add the sausage and cook through. Add salt and pepper to season. When sausage is cooked, drain and let cool. Once fully cool, add it to spinach and ricotta mixture. Then you are ready to assemble your shells! To begin, take your baking dish and add about 6 tablespoons of the Vero Gusto® sauce to the bottom so that the shells don’t burn and stick. Stuff them so they’re not bursting but nicely fill the inside of the shell. This recipe should make about 20 shells (with half the Barilla® pasta box). 

When your baking dish is full, carefully spoon a dollop of the Vero Gusto® Tomato & Basil sauce on top each shell. Last, add your mozzarella and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Add parmesan and fresh basil as garnish and serve. 

The taste of Vero Gusto®’s Tomato & Basil sauce is unmatched! My kids gobble it up and clean their plates when I make this recipe. The texture of the sauce is hearty and comforting, and again, really drives home the “Sunday night pasta dinner” tradition I want my kids to grow up knowing.
ANOTHER FESTIVE IDEA FOR THIS DISH: The holidays are coming and this would be a fantastic main course or offering to bring to a dinner party as well!! 

If you try this, be sure to tag me or come back and leave a comment! I’d love to know how you liked it!!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please do not use photos without permission.

IP Chicken Salad Spread
Shredded chicken recipe used for this recipe linked here.
Instant Pot linked here.

With our boys going back to school, I’m trying to get more creative with things to pack in their lunches every day! Thinking of what I have at home to help me do this — my first thought: my beloved IP! AKA my kitchen BFF AKA one of my fave mom hacks!! This thing is so helpful for every busy individual to save time and hassle.

This chicken salad spread is super easy. I take about 1 1/2 to 2 c of my IP shredded chicken and mix in 1/2 brick of softened cream cheese, 2 tsps of buttermilk ranch seasoning mix, 2 tsp of pepper and 1/4 c of diced celery. Mix all together until well incorporated.

GREAT for school sandwiches (just pack an ice pack or something to keep sandwich cool), wraps (put into a tortilla, roll up, and cut into little pin wheels!), or just on it’s own for dipping with your favorite cracker. Enjoy!