13 Italian recipes my family always reaches for

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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.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.
Ooni Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Making pizza at home can be a game-changer, especially with a recipe that’s been a family favorite. Ooni Pizza Dough has proven to be the perfect base for our pizza experiments. Whether we’re going for classic toppings or something more adventurous, this dough holds up. It’s our secret to bringing authentic Italian pizza nights into our home.
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.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew that making pizza could get even easier and still taste amazing? Air Fryer Pizza changed the game for us, offering a crispy crust and melty cheese without the hassle of an oven. It’s perfect for quick meals or when the pizza craving just can’t wait. Our family loves gathering around to customize each personal pizza before it cooks.
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.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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