19 ways you can enjoy an Italian feast at home!

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Bringing a taste of Italy into your kitchen has never been easier. This article is packed with straightforward and delicious Italian recipes that are perfect for any dinner. From hearty pastas to light desserts, we’re showing you how to create an Italian feast at home that everyone will love.

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans in a white bowl with red pepper flakes on the side.
Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole and beans is a simple, rustic dish that turns basic ingredients into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those cooler nights when you want something satisfying without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Zucchini ricotta bake in a white baking dish.
Zucchini Ricotta Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Imagine a lasagna that’s easy to make and has all the flavors without the pasta. This zucchini ricotta bake is it. It’s a simple dish that brings a lot of flavor without a lot of work, making it perfect for your next Italian night at home.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato tortellini soup in the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. It’s rich, creamy, and has that fresh basil flavor. Plus, it’s done in no time, making it perfect for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken Sorrentino packs everything you love into one dish: breaded chicken, prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, all baked in a robust tomato sauce. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make for such an impressive result.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Ciambotta

Italian ciambotta (vegetable ratatouille) in a large cast iron pot.
Ciambotta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ciambotta is a hearty Italian vegetable stew that’s all about making the most of summer produce. It’s versatile; you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Serve it up with some crusty bread for a vegetarian meal that’s still big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta

Utica Greens

Cast iron skillet with Utica greens and wooden handle serving spoon.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Utica greens come straight from upstate New York to add a bit of pizzazz to your Italian feast. With escarole, prosciutto, hot cherry peppers, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser that goes well with pizza, pasta, or meat.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Key Lime Coconut Panna Cotta

Key lime coconut panna cotta on a white plate topped with a strawberry lime compote.
Key Lime Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This key lime coconut panna cotta is a refreshing twist on the classic dessert. Made with coconut milk, it’s creamy and topped with a tangy key lime strawberry compote. A great choice for a lighter dessert that’s still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Coconut Panna Cotta

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Take your chicken marsala to the next level by stuffing it with mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil. It’s baked in a hearty tomato sauce for a dish that’s sure to impress at your next Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Escarole Soup

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole soup is a hearty, Italian classic. With greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta, it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Perfect for a satisfying dinner on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a cozy bowl of comfort, try this Italian tomato pasta soup. It’s packed with ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole. Just what you need for a hearty dinner that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata is a light, tangy take on the classic dish, using almond flour for a crispy outside. Capers, lemon, and shallots add big flavor to this easy-to-make dish. It’s a great way to add seafood to your Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon ricotta pasta is all about bright, fresh flavors. With creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and tomatoes, it’s a quick meal that feels fancy without all the effort. Great for a light but memorable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pesto pasta alla Trapanese is full of fresh summer flavors like tomatoes, nuts, and basil. It’s a quick, refreshing sauce that’s tossed with pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal. Perfect for when you want to bring a bit of Sicily to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pignoli Cookies

Almond cookies with powdered sugar in a wooden bowl.
Pignoli Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re into almond-flavored treats, these pignoli cookies are a must-try. They’re chewy, flavored with almond, and topped with crunchy pine nuts. A simple, yet impressive addition to your Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Pignoli Cookies

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese brings a fantastic flavor twist to the classic sauce. With carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and herbs, it’s the perfect sauce for a special pasta dinner. Just simmer and serve with your favorite pasta.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This spaghetti alfredo throws broccoli into the mix, making it a great way to sneak in some veggies with your creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s less heavy than the original, so you can enjoy a big plate and feel great about it. Perfect for when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta Checca with burst tomatoes and burrata on a white serving platter.
Pasta Checca with Burrata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pasta checca with burrata updates the classic family meal with burst heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata. It’s easy to make and perfect for when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Almond Fig Cake

Slice of ricotta almond fig cake on a metal spatula.
Almond Fig Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This almond fig cake is a sweet ending to any meal. Made with almond and cashew flours, it’s moist, thanks to ricotta, and has just the right touch of sweetness. It’s so easy to make and great with coffee or as an afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Almond Fig Cake

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making bolognese in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone wanting to whip up an Italian feast without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll still nail that deep, hearty flavor in way less time. Serve it over your go-to pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan for an easy, yet impressive, dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

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