Italian food is known for its comforting flavors and straightforward approach to cooking—and for being some of the tastiest foods in the world. You simply cannot afford to go to your grave without trying these 23 recipes that include fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Perfect for any night of the week, these dishes promise a delicious dinner experience without the need for complex preparations or hard-to-find ingredients. Don’t wait to your last supper to try these Italian recipes!
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
This Spaghetti and Mushroom Marinara Sauce is a bomb fit for a weeknight, but tasty enough for a king. This easy recipe combines the rich taste of mushrooms with a simple marinara, providing a delicious and straightforward option for your busy evenings. Skip the elaborate cooking steps without compromising on flavor, making it a perfect weeknight pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks present a vibrant combination of roasted eggplant and fresh tomato, taking about 30 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, and mozzarella, layered to perfection. They offer a taste that’s both fresh and rich, with a pleasing contrast of textures. This dish is a lighter take on classic Italian flavors that’s both satisfying and healthful.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Penne al Baffo
Penne al Baffo is a creamy pasta dish with a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes. It combines penne pasta with a rich sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and ham. The flavors are creamy and tomato-based with a smoky hint from the ham. This dish is a quick yet indulgent option for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Meatball Soup is a warming and rustic dish that takes about 1 hour to make. It’s a hearty blend of homemade meatballs, vegetables, and broth. The main ingredients include ground meat, pasta, and a variety of vegetables. The flavor is rich with a comforting, homemade taste that’s perfect for a family meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Stuffed Pepper
Stuffed Pepper is a versatile dish that can be ready in about 1 hour. Bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of low-carb rice and ground meat. The taste is savory with a slight sweetness from the peppers. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper
Sourdough Focaccia
Sourdough Focaccia requires a longer preparation time due to the sourdough fermentation, typically taking about 24 hours. This Italian bread is made with a sourdough starter, olive oil, and herbs. The flavor is tangy from the sourdough with a fragrant herbal note. It’s chewy, crusty, and perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside a meal.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia
Hearty Marinara Sauce
Hearty Marinara Sauce is a staple that takes about 2 hours to simmer to perfection. The main ingredients are tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. The sauce offers a robust tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness and earthy herbs. It’s the foundation for many Italian dishes and shines with its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is a simple yet bold dish that can be prepared in about 20 minutes. It consists of pasta, garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes. The flavors are garlicky and spicy, with a pleasant olive oil richness. It’s a classic Italian dish known for its straightforward preparation and punchy taste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta became an internet sensation and can be made in roughly 30 minutes. This dish features a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes until melty and combined with pasta. The flavors are tangy from the feta and sweet from the tomatoes. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that’s both trendy and timeless.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Italian Chicken Cutlets are a quick and satisfying meal, ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken is breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then pan-fried. The main ingredients provide a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The flavor is savory with a cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is a soup that takes about 4 hours to cook, filled with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale. The main ingredients meld together to create a creamy and slightly spicy taste. The soup is comforting and hearty, perfect for cold evenings. It’s a restaurant favorite that’s easily recreated at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a colorful side dish ready in about 15 minutes. This leafy green is sautéed with garlic and olive oil. The main ingredients bring out a sweet and nutty flavor, complemented by the garlic. It’s a healthy and quick addition to any Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread takes about 24 hours to make due to the sourdough process. It’s infused with fresh rosemary, creating a fragrant aroma. The bread has a tangy flavor with an earthy note from the rosemary. It’s ideal for those who appreciate artisan bread with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is a low-carb version of the classic, taking about 1 hour to cook. It’s made with Italian sausage, cauliflower, and kale as the main ingredients. The taste is rich and creamy without the carbs. It’s perfect for those following a ketogenic diet without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Chunky Canned Italian Tomato Sauce
Chunky canned Italian tomato sauce is a pantry essential that takes about 1 hour to prepare. It’s made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The sauce has a chunky texture and a fresh, homemade taste. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of Italian dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chunky canned Italian tomato sauce
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake is a decadent dessert that can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. It combines chocolate and pistachios for a rich and nutty flavor. The main ingredients include biscuits, chocolate, and pistachios. It’s a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce can be prepared in about 30 minutes. The scallops are the star, with a sauce that’s bright and refreshing. The main ingredients are scallops, lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio wine, which create a delicate balance of flavors. This dish is a sophisticated choice that offers a light and elegant taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Minestrone Soup with Sausage takes roughly 45 minutes to cook and is a hearty, vegetable-packed meal. It features sausage, beans, and a variety of vegetables in a savory broth. The soup has a robust, comforting taste with a hint of spice from the sausage. It’s a filling and nutritious choice that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a delightful dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It combines grilled chicken with a topping of fresh tomato bruschetta. The main ingredients are chicken breasts, ripe tomatoes, and basil. The flavor is fresh and summery, with a charred sweetness from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup can be made in approximately 1 hour and is a smooth, comforting dish. Roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions are blended into a velvety soup. The main ingredients create a rich and creamy taste without heavy cream. It’s a low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup
Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
Tender lamb simmers in a slow cooker for hours, allowing the flavors of garlic, tomato, and herbs to meld into a rich Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu. This hearty dish typically takes about 8 hours to reach its full potential. The main ingredients, lamb shoulder and a robust tomato sauce, create a savory and slightly sweet taste profile. It’s a comforting meal that promises to satisfy with its depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
Italian Ricotta Cookies
Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like treats with a hint of lemon, taking about 45 minutes to make. These cookies are made with ricotta cheese as the main ingredient, which ensures a moist texture. The result is a subtly sweet and tangy flavor that’s not overpowering. They’re perfect for those who appreciate a less sugary cookie with a unique texture.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
With a cooking time of about 8 hours, Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast is a set-it-and-forget-it type of meal. The pork is seasoned with Italian herbs and cooked until it’s fall-apart tender. The main ingredients include a pork shoulder roast and a blend of aromatic seasonings. The taste is savory with a hint of garlic and fennel, ideal for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast