Italian cuisine is all about simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, and this collection of 21 recipes captures that essence perfectly. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting soup, a robust sauce, or a delicate pasta dish, these recipes are straightforward and satisfying. They’re the kind of meals that promise a homemade Italian dining experience, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Chunky canned Italian tomato sauce
Chunky canned Italian tomato sauce is a versatile base that takes about 1 hour to create, featuring tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. This sauce is thick with chunks of tomato, delivering a homemade taste. It serves as a foundational element for many Italian dishes. The sauce’s robust flavor is ideal for pasta,
Get the Recipe: Chunky canned Italian tomato sauce
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce is a vegetarian-friendly option that takes about 30 minutes to prepare, combining earthy mushrooms with a tangy tomato sauce. The spaghetti serves as a perfect vehicle for the chunky, flavorful sauce. It’s a simple dish that doesn’t skimp on taste, offering a meatless alternative to traditional marinara. The mushrooms add a savory depth to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Hearty Marinara Sauce
Hearty Marinara Sauce is a staple in Italian cooking, requiring about 1 hour to simmer, with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs as its core ingredients. This sauce is thick and rich, coating pasta beautifully. It brings a homemade essence to any Italian dish it accompanies. The flavors are robust and comforting, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast takes about 8 hours to cook, resulting in tender pork infused with garlic, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. This dish is succulent and aromatic, with the slow cooker ensuring the pork is perfectly cooked. It’s an effortless meal that fills the home with inviting scents. The roast offers a savory taste with a hint of herbs.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Minestrone Soup with Sausage takes about 1 hour and is a robust combination of sausage, vegetables, and pasta in a tomato-based broth. This soup is packed with flavor and textures, offering a complete meal in a bowl. It’s a filling dish with a savory, slightly spicy taste. The sausage adds a hearty element to the traditional minestrone.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, featuring grilled chicken topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. The chicken provides a lean protein base, while the bruschetta topping adds a burst of freshness. This recipe is a lighter take on Italian flavors, perfect for a summer meal. The combination of grilled chicken and tangy bruschetta creates a harmonious taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake is a decadent dessert ready in about 20 minutes of hands-on time, requiring chilling to set. This cake combines chocolate and pistachios in a rich, creamy texture. It’s an indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth without the need for an oven. The flavors are deep and nutty with a smooth chocolate finish.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks come together in about 45 minutes and consist of layers of roasted eggplant, tomato, and cheese. This dish offers a lighter alternative to heavier Italian meals while maintaining robust flavors. It’s a visually appealing and nutritious option. The combination of eggplant and tomato provides a savory and slightly sweet taste.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is a simple pasta dish that can be whipped up in about 20 minutes, using garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. This dish is all about the quality of its few ingredients, resulting in a flavorful yet not overpowering taste. It’s a classic Italian recipe that’s both quick and satisfying. The heat from the chili flakes adds a pleasant warmth.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a trendy dish that takes about 35 minutes to make, featuring a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. The feta melts into a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. It’s a dish that combines tangy, salty, and sweet flavors. The burst of roasted tomatoes adds a juicy contrast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Stuffed Pepper
Stuffed Pepper is a low-carb option that takes about 1 hour to prepare, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and spices. This dish is both satisfying and healthy, with bell peppers serving as an edible container. The filling is rich and savory, complemented by the sweetness of the pepper. It’s a complete meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is a low-carb version of the classic, ready in about 40 minutes, with Italian sausage, cauliflower, and kale. This soup maintains the creamy and hearty characteristics of the original while being keto-friendly. It’s a warming dish with a slightly spicy kick. The cauliflower serves as a great substitute for potatoes, keeping it low in carbs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread requires about 20 hours, including proofing, and features a crusty exterior with a soft, aromatic interior. Fresh rosemary adds an herbal note to the tangy sourdough. This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or as a side to any Italian meal. The taste is complex, with a balance of earthy and sour flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Sourdough Focaccia
Sourdough Focaccia, with a total time of about 20 hours including proofing, is a flavorful bread with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt. The focaccia’s airy texture and crispy crust make it ideal for sandwiches or as a table bread. The olive oil imparts a rich flavor that complements the tangy sourdough base. It’s a versatile bread that carries the essence of Italian baking.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Italian Chicken Cutlets are a quick 25-minute meal, featuring breaded chicken breasts seasoned with Parmesan and herbs. The cutlets are pan-fried to golden perfection, offering a crisp exterior and juicy interior. This dish is a balance of simplicity and flavor. The Parmesan adds a savory note that elevates the classic chicken cutlet.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce can be prepared in about 20 minutes, highlighting delicate scallops with a refreshing wine-based sauce. The sauce’s citrus and herb notes accentuate the scallops’ natural sweetness. This dish is light yet sophisticated, perfect for a special dinner. The flavors are bright and complement the seafood beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup combines the richness of roasted tomatoes with the smoothness of cream, offering a comforting taste in about 45 minutes. With tomatoes and basil as the main ingredients, this soup provides a classic Italian flavor profile. It’s a warm, velvety dish perfect for those seeking a homemade touch to their meal. The soup’s simplicity allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to shine through.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a vibrant dish ready in just 15 minutes, featuring the colorful stems and green leaves of Swiss chard. Garlic and lemon juice enhance the chard’s earthy flavors without overpowering it. This side dish introduces a light, nutritious complement to any Italian feast. It brings a subtle bitterness balanced with a hint of acidity.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Penne al Baffo
Penne al Baffo is a creamy pasta dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare, with pancetta and mushrooms enveloped in a tomato-cream sauce. The penne pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite flavorful. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers a creamy texture and savory taste. The combination of cream and tomato offers a balance of richness and acidity.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Meatball Soup, ready in about 1 hour, is a hearty meal featuring tender meatballs, pasta, and vegetables in a savory broth. The main ingredients include beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, creating a robust flavor. This soup has a comforting, home-cooked essence with every spoonful. It’s an ideal choice for a filling and warming dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana requires about 4-6 hours in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich and creamy soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale. This dish is known for its creamy base and hearty ingredients, offering a satisfying taste. It’s a convenient option for a busy day, slowly simmering to perfection. The soup has a comforting, rustic appeal with a touch of spice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana