Looking to add some excitement to your dinner table? These 15 Italian dishes are so good, they’re gone in a flash. Perfect for any night of the week, these recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these dishes will disappear faster than you can say “mangia.” Get ready to see empty plates and happy faces all around.
![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)
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)
If you’ve ever been to Italy or dreamed of going, carbonara is one dish you’ll hear about a lot. Pasta Carbonara takes simple ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary. You’ll find it’s a go-to for a quick but impressive meal. Everyone loves it because it’s comforting and feels like a hug from an Italian grandma, making it disappear fast at any table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
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)
Think about the fresh flavors of Italy, packed into a tart that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Caprese Pesto Tarts are where it’s at for an appetizer that impresses without much effort. They’re bursting with flavor and color, making them a hit at any gathering. It’s the kind of dish that people can’t stop nibbling on, even when they claim they’re full.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts
Homemade Lasagna
![Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MSN-Lasagna.jpg)
Sometimes, nothing beats the classic comfort of layers and layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Homemade Lasagna is one of those dishes that you make for family gatherings because everybody loves it. It’s hearty, feeds a crowd, and there’s always a fight for the last piece. That’s why it feels like home, no matter where you are in the world.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
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 a start that’s as fresh as it gets, you can’t overlook a dish that’s all about simplicity and flavor. Caprese Appetizer sets the tone for any meal with its fresh ingredients. It’s light, but it packs a punch of flavor that gets the meal started on the right foot. Plus, it’s so simple, yet everyone always comments on how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer
Spaghetti Marinara
![Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MSN-Spaghetti-Marinara.jpg)
Who doesn’t love the comfort of spaghetti and a good, hearty sauce? Spaghetti Marinara is that dish that feels like a warm welcome anytime. It’s perfect for when you need something both filling and full of flavor. That’s why, when you make it, you can expect it to be the first dish to clear out at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
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)
Ever thought about why salads at Italian dinners taste so much better? It’s often down to a homemade Italian Dressing that’s zippy and packs a tang. This dressing turns any simple green salad into something people actually get excited about. Best part? It makes for great conversation as everyone tries to guess what’s in it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing
Mac and Cheese
![Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MSN-Mac-and-Cheese-1.jpg)
Not traditionally Italian, but when you twist it with a bit of Italian flair, Mac and Cheese becomes a whole new world of comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and gets a kick that keeps you coming back for more. This version holds its own at the table, bringing everyone from kids to adults together. It’s that dish that always ends up needing to be made in a bigger batch.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Pizza Sauce
![Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pizza-Sauce.jpg)
Sure, you can buy
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
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)
Want a pasta dish that’s a bit off the beaten path but still holds all the Italian vibes? Italian Pasta with Salami introduces a bit of spice and richness that’s hard to resist. It’s as fulfilling as it gets and always seems to be the talk of the table. This is the dish for those nights when you want to shake things up a bit.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Mushroom Risotto
![A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mushroom-Risotto-2.jpg)
There’s something about the creamy consistency of Mushroom Risotto that feels like you’re dining in a fancy Italian restaurant. This dish is all about technique and letting the simple flavors shine. It’s a crowd-pleaser because who doesn’t get excited about a good risotto? Moreover, it’s that one dish where leftovers are unheard of.
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)
Ever in the mood for something creamy, comforting, and a bit different? Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta offers just that, making it a standout dish. It’s comforting on a whole new level and always disappears first. It’s the answer to the question, “What should I make for dinner?” because everyone ends up loving it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Neapolitan Pizza
![A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Neapolitan-Pizza.jpg)
There’s
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Tuscan Pasta
![A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MSN-Tuscan-Pasta.jpg)
For those evenings when you crave something a bit rustic and filled with flavor, Tuscan Pasta is the go-to. It has a certain heartiness and depth that you can’t find in just any pasta dish. It’s like a mini vacation in your kitchen, perfect for cozy nights in. Plus, it’s one of those meals where everyone lingers just a bit longer at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
![A lasagna being dished up.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lasagna.jpg)
Taking a vegetarian twist to a traditional favorite, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is something special. It’s packed with flavor and so delicious, you won’t even miss the meat. This is the dish for when you want to sneak some greens into dinner without hearing complaints. It’s always a pleasant surprise how quickly it goes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
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 no arguing that Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic for a reason. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it has a depth of flavor that’s hard to top. This dish is a staple because it’s beloved by all ages and perfect for any day of the week. Interestingly, no matter how much you make, there’s never quite enough to go around, showing just how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese