What if you could bring the authentic, soul-warming magic of Italy straight to your dinner table tonight?
These 38 recipes are pure perfection, delivering golden, crispy, and utterly satisfying Italian goodness every time.
1. Pasta Fagioli al Forno (Baked Pasta and Beans)
I think you’ll want to try Pasta Fagioli al Forno, which translates to ‘baked pasta with beans’. This Italian casserole combines cheese with a rich taste from herbs, spices, and sausage.
The foundation starts with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, then builds with many tasty additions, including two cheeses. Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly, and I promise it will be a crowd pleaser.
2. Strawberry Nutella Pizza
I love satisfying my sweet cravings with this strawberry Nutella pizza, a perfect dessert-pizza combination. Nutella’s hazelnut flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries, and sliced almonds add a pleasant crunch.
To create this dessert, bake the crust completely and let it cool before adding the toppings. You could also experiment with additions like peanut butter, chocolate chips, or bananas.
3. Muffuletta (Sicilian Sandwich)
I’m excited to share the deliciousness of muffuletta, a sandwich piled high with various meats and vegetables. A traditional muffuletta features a fresh olive salad, incorporating olives, capers, peppers, parsley, giardiniera, and garlic.
I spread this salad on the roll, then layer on soppressata, mortadella, capicola, and provolone. Repeat the layers for a truly mouthwatering meal.
4. Spaghetti Bolognese
I find that classic bolognese always satisfies with its hearty, meaty, and tomato rich qualities. It’s my go to dish when I need something impressive without spending too much time.
I believe everyone needs a trusted recipe for this in their cooking repertoire. If you’re still searching for one, I think this version will truly delight you.
5. Italian Hot Chocolate
I think Italian cuisine offers more than just pasta and pizza, as you’ll discover with this smooth Italian hot chocolate. This recipe is far superior to any instant version I’ve tried.
It’s made with real dark chocolate, whole milk, and sugar, resulting in a thick, subtly sweet, and wonderfully decadent drink. When I close my eyes, it transports me straight to Italy.
6. Caponata (Saucy Aubergine Salad)
I promise the blend of savory, sweet, and sour will make you love this traditional caponata. Browning the onion and celery before introducing the olives and capers adds remarkable flavor depth.
Then I stir in the vinegar, which gives the dish its characteristic tartness. I let the caponata sit to allow the flavors to combine completely. It’s wonderful served with some crusty bread.
7. Parmigiana di Melanazane (Eggplant Parmesan)
I enjoy how eggplant parmesan layers eggplant’s earthy character with melty mozzarella and flavorful Parmesan. Baked until it’s golden, it feels substantial yet remains light.
The aroma of melting cheese and tomato sauce truly creates dinner dreams. This dish gives eggplant the recognition it deserves.
8. Focaccia Bread
I appreciate focaccia bread for its signature dimpled surface and soft, chewy texture. I also love the many toppings embedded within it, such as herbs, spices, and tomatoes.
If you’re ready for the fun of baking bread, I highly recommend this among Italian dinner recipes. After putting in the effort, you definitely want the outcome to be worthwhile!
9. Classic Italian Caprese Salad
If you have fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, I believe you should absolutely make a classic caprese salad. This summer salad combines sweet, juicy tomatoes, peppery basil, and mildly rich mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil, making it delicious in its simplicity.
I always make sure to use high quality, fresh ingredients. That’s how this appetizer becomes magical.
10. Pesto Mozzarella Arancini (Risotto Balls)
Pesto mozzarella arancini are wonderfully crispy on the outside and gooey inside. They’re like traditional risotto balls but with an exciting twist: a core of melted mozzarella and a swirl of pesto.
I think they represent street food elevated to a gourmet level.
11. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
If you enjoy your carbonara or Alfredo extra rich, I suggest trying chicken tetrazzini. What makes this casserole stand out is its incredibly decadent and creamy sauce, crafted from creamed soups, sour cream, butter, and various cheeses.
I appreciate this umami packed dish.
12. Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)
Florentine steak is also known as Bistecca alla Fiorentina. I think it’s a thick cut, simply seasoned, and perfect for sharing. A thick porterhouse steak is ideal for this recipe.
The only seasoning involves olive oil, salt, and pepper, so I always choose a high quality piece of meat. I serve it with sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh Italian salad.
13. Cacciucco (Tuscan Seafood Stew)
I find Tuscan seafood stew, called cacciucco, noteworthy because it contains five types of seafood, one for each ‘c’ in its name. It’s seasoned with garlic, parsley, sage, and red wine vinegar, while red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of warmth.
I serve the flavorful stew over homemade croutons to absorb the delicious broth.
14. Bellini
I like to add elegance to my brunch gatherings with this simple and refreshing bellini recipe. With only two components, peaches and prosecco, I can easily create a delightful bubbly and fresh beverage.
I blend peeled and pitted peaches to achieve a smooth puree. After chilling for 30 minutes, I add 2 ounces of puree to a flute and top it with prosecco. Cheers to that!
15. No-Knead Ciabatta Bread
I love ciabatta bread as an Italian sandwich bread, featuring a crispy outside and a soft, chewy interior. It shares similarities with the French baguette but has a more porous texture, thanks to its dough’s high water to flour ratio.
If I’m determined to bake this myself, I trust this recipe to guide me.
16. Cappuccino
I think ending an epic dinner party with good conversation and a hot, foamy cappuccino is always a great idea. A rich cappuccino is not difficult to prepare at home. All I need is coffee, water, and milk. A cappuccino maker also simplifies the process!
I focus on achieving foamy milk for an excellent cappuccino. It’s a perfect drink to begin my day or conclude my evening.
17. Chicken Parmesan
I find chicken parmesan to be a classic Italian recipe that my entire family will appreciate. I pound chicken breasts thinly and evenly before setting up a breading station with flour, eggs and cream, and breadcrumbs.
After frying the chicken, I layer it in a baking pan with marinara sauce, chicken, and more marinara sauce. I finish it off with mozzarella cheese. Mangia!
18. Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta alla norma is a Sicilian dish that I love, full of eggplant, tasty marinara, and fresh basil. Roasting the eggplant instead of frying it makes it lighter and simpler to prepare, which I consider a great benefit.
This straightforward dish requires few ingredients, so I can have it ready for dinner quickly.
19. Rosemary Mushroom Risotto
I used to think risotto was challenging, but I’ve changed my mind! I encourage you to try this delicious rosemary mushroom risotto and see how manageable it can be. The key is slowly adding warm broth, which ensures the rice cooks perfectly. I make sure not to rush this meal!
With mustard for a bit of tang and rosemary for flavor, this risotto always impresses guests with its scent and taste.
20. Biscotti (Cantucci)
I love how these almond biscotti create a delightful crackle with every bite, blending toasted nuts with a hint of orange. They are crisp, crunchy, and just sweet enough, making my coffee moments more special.
I enjoy dunking one in my espresso and savoring that satisfying crunch.
21. Rustic Ribollita (White Bean Soup)
I consider ribollita a true Tuscan comfort food. It’s a soup loaded with various vegetables and white beans. Bread thickens the mixture, giving it a distinct, stew like consistency.
After simmering for an hour, I have a comforting, filling meal ready to enjoy.
22. Minestrone Soup
I don’t typically associate vegetables with pasta, which is why minestrone soup is always such a delightful surprise. It’s a tomato broth based soup featuring pasta shells and an assortment of greens and other vegetables.
I finish the soup with parmesan cheese to add a rich element. This addition helps to mellow the soup’s vegetal taste, making it appealing for everyone.
23. Margherita Pizza
I often picture a thin, crispy crust topped with a vibrant red tomato sauce, creamy white mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. This is the simple yet undeniably delicious pizza Margherita.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of tangy tomato, savory cheese, and fresh herb flavors. It all comes together to create a delightful experience.
24. Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Tomato Sauce
I think gnudi are wonderful, soft dumplings made with ricotta cheese and spinach. They remind me of the cheesy spinach filling found in ravioli, but without the pasta casing.
I enjoy them served in a simple tomato sauce, making them both straightforward and tasty.
25. Italian Salad
I find this Italian salad to be the ideal companion to my favorite pasta dish. Alternatively, I can prepare this on its own for a quick and fresh lunch.
The homemade dressing is easily made in a food processor using parsley, basil, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and honey. I use romaine lettuce, carrot, tomato, olives, bell pepper, and feta cheese for a flavorful salad.
26. Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale
When it’s cold outside and I need something comforting to warm me up, I know I can always rely on tortellini soup. From the smooth broth to the meaty sausage and the chewy tortellini, this cozy soup is so good I want to savor every last bit.
27. Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
This appetizer features toasted Italian bread brushed with olive oil and topped with a mix of fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil. It calls for affordable, readily available ingredients, yet delivers impressive tastes and textures. I appreciate its simplicity.
This specific recipe feels extra special because of the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over the toast.
28. Neapolitan Pizza
If I can’t travel to Naples for genuine Neapolitan pizza, I find this recipe to be the next best option. Pizza night definitely gets an upgrade with this!
Neapolitan pizza emphasizes simplicity. The sauce consists solely of canned tomatoes, and I top it with fresh mozzarella and basil. Homemade dough is essential for achieving that genuine crust. I believe it’s surprisingly easy, so don’t be worried to try it.
29. Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina brings the essence of Italy directly to my table. I find it beautifully simple: soft potato dumplings combine with zesty sauce and a generous amount of cheese.
I garnish it with fresh basil, creating a delicious Italian favorite without needing a plane ticket.
30. Chicken Cacciatore
I find chicken cacciatore to be a rustic, hearty, and flavorful dish. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and an array of herbs.
I serve it over pasta or rice, and it’s always a reliable hit. Plus, it’s very simple to prepare. I get that slow cooked Sunday dinner taste even on a busy weekday.
31. Calzone
I think crispy calzones filled with cheese are superior to pizza slices any day. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover it for yourself!
These savory pockets are perfect for eating on the go and can also be frozen for later convenience. I use store bought pizza dough and fill it with my favorite ingredients, like sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and vegetables, for a delightful calzone experience.
32. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
While not strictly a traditional Italian recipe, this dish draws inspiration from classic Tuscan chicken. As the name implies, I think of this as a shrimp version of Tuscan chicken.
I elevate it by frying the shrimp in garlic butter. After all, garlic, butter, and shrimp together just make sense.
33. Italian Pesto Chicken
This recipe uses rich, earthy ingredients like pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese to enhance a simple chicken breast. Here, I learn to make a straightforward homemade pesto sauce using basil, almonds, olive oil, lemon, parmesan, and other items.
While fresh pesto is always ideal, I understand if you choose to use store bought.
34. Traditional Italian Carbonara
I feel strongly that one should avoid adding heavy cream to carbonara to respect Italian culinary traditions! For authentic carbonara, I know I only need 5 components: spaghetti, guanciale, black pepper, pecorino Romano, and eggs. That’s all.
I never include cream, milk, bacon, or garlic. I don’t trust any recipe that suggests otherwise.
35. Osso Buco (Braised Veal Shanks)
If you haven’t experienced osso buco, I believe you’re truly missing out. This recipe might not be for beginners, but I assure you, it’s worth the effort.
Osso buco features incredibly tender, fall off the bone veal shanks, slow cooked in a white wine and tomato broth. I often pair it with gremolata, a sauce made from parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, to balance its richness. I serve it with risotto or mashed potatoes.
36. Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper Pasta)
Few Italian dinner recipes impress me as much as cacio e pepe. Its name means “cheese and pepper,” and that’s precisely what it is – a pasta dish with pecorino romano cheese and ground pepper.
These two elements are combined with butter to form a sauce, but at its core, it’s purely cheese and pepper. I guarantee it will astonish you.
37. Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)
I love sinking my teeth into pizza Bianca, a white pizza featuring olive oil, garlic, and a blend of white cheeses. There’s no tomato sauce in this dish!
I think it embodies pure Italian simplicity with a touch of sophistication. I often customize it to my liking and enjoy its deliciousness.
38. Caprese Chicken
Gooey cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and a slightly sweet balsamic reduction give this Caprese chicken so much flavor. This dish may appear elaborate, but I find it surprisingly easy to assemble.
I sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, I pile it high with sun dried tomatoes and cheese slices. I bake it for about 10 minutes. I finish the dish with a generous drizzle of balsamic reduction.