Want to impress your family with some Italian favorites? These 13 recipes are the ones the family always reaches for. They’re designed to be both easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy the rich traditions of Italian cooking with these tried-and-true dishes. They bring everyone together around the table, making every meal a celebration of great food and good company.
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Lemon-Pasta.jpg)
Pasta Carbonara
![A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MSN-Pasta-Carbonara.jpg)
When you crave something cozy and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a classic Italian dish. Pasta Carbonara is our go-to for a quick yet decadent meal. With its creamy sauce and rich flavors, it feels like a treat every time we make it. Our family always reaches for this recipe when we want something special, yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Ooni Pizza Dough
![Someone sprinkling flour over pizza dough.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ooni-Pizza-Dough-1.jpg)
Making
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough
Spaghetti Bolognese
![A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MSN-Spaghetti-Bolognese-1.jpg)
There’s something about a hearty plate of pasta that brings the family together. Spaghetti Bolognese is a staple in our home, known for its rich, meaty sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a robust meal that has become a comfort food classic. Whenever we need a dish that promises to please everyone, this is the one we turn to.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese
Caprese Appetizer
![Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Caprese-Bites.jpg)
For us, starting a meal with something light and fresh sets the right tone. Caprese Appetizer is our choice for a simple yet elegant beginning to any Italian feast. With its fresh flavors, it’s like a promise of the good things to come. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, and it’s always a hit at our family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer
Macaroni Salad
![A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MSN-Macaroni-Salad.jpg)
Every family gathering needs a side dish that stands out. Macaroni Salad has become ours, especially during the warmer months. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect complement to any Italian meal. This salad is always on our table, packed with whatever we’ve got in the pantry, proving its versatility and appeal.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Air Fryer Pizza
![A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Air-Fryer-Pizza-3.jpg)
Who knew that making
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza
Italian Pasta with Salami
![A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MSN-Summer-Pasta.jpg)
Sometimes, the best meals come from throwing together what we love. Italian Pasta with Salami is a perfect example, blending the spice of salami with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a no-fuss dish that packs a flavorful punch. We reach for this recipe when we want a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, something that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Caprese Pesto Tarts
![Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MSN-Cheesy-Caprese-Pesto-Tarts.jpg)
When it comes to entertaining, we always aim to impress while keeping it easy. Caprese Pesto Tarts have become our secret weapon. They’re bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and look as good as they taste. It’s a fresh take on the classic caprese, making it perfect for parties or as a special appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
![A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MSN-Olive-Garden-Ravioli-Carbonara.jpg)
Sometimes, you just crave that restaurant taste at home. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings that rich, creamy flavor to our kitchen. It’s a fun twist on the classic, with ravioli adding an extra layer of decadence. This dish always makes it to our table when we’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Italian Dressing
![A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Italian-Dressing-3.jpg)
A great dressing can transform any salad. Italian Dressing is our go-to for adding a burst of flavor to greens. It’s tangy, herby, and incredibly versatile, making it a staple in our pantry. Whether it’s drizzled over salad or used as a marinade, this dressing is a simple way to bring a touch of Italy to our meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing
Best Lemon Pasta
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Lemon-Pasta.jpg)
When we’re looking for something light yet satisfying, we turn to a dish that’s tangy and refreshing. Best Lemon Pasta is a favorite for its bright flavors that lighten up traditional pasta. It’s quick to make and always leaves us feeling satisfied without being heavy. This recipe is our little secret to a meal that tastes like sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Mushroom Risotto
![A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mushroom-Risotto-2.jpg)
Risotto is a labor of love, but it’s worth every stir. Mushroom Risotto is rich, creamy, and full of earthy flavors. It’s our go-to for impressing guests or when we just want to treat ourselves. It’s a testament to the power of patience in the kitchen, resulting in a dish that’s always comforting and luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
![Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MSN-Chicken-and-Corn-Pasta.jpg)
We all have those days when we can’t decide between comfort and flavor. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta strikes the perfect balance. It’s hearty and satisfying, with a creamy sauce that brings everything together. Our family reaches for this recipe when we want a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta