15 easy Italian recipes for lazy nights

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Sometimes, after a long day, cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. That’s where these 15 easy Italian meals come into play. They’re perfect for those evenings when you need something quick and without much effort. From comforting pasta dishes to simple soups, each recipe is a good choice for winding down the day without spending hours in the kitchen.

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

A plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo garnished with chopped parsley.
Vegan Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re looking for something creamy but want to keep it dairy-free, you’re in luck. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a comforting bowl of Vegan Alfredo Pasta to relax and enjoy your evening. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without any hassle. Plus, it’s a great way to impress anyone who thinks vegan food can’t be indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Imagine coming home to a dish that’s both comforting and a bit upscale without all the fuss. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto manage to feel special while being straightforward to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that speaks to lazy nights when you still crave something with a bit of elegance. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need to make it happen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After a long day, cooking a big meal is the last thing on your mind. That’s where Pasta Primavera comes in, offering a colorful and easy solution that’s ready in minutes. It combines the simplicity of pasta with the freshness of whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your dinner table any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For those days when you crave something warm and filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Asparagus and White Bean Risotto are a go-to. It’s a comforting dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Plus, it incorporates healthy elements making your meal feel wholesome. Quick, easy, and tasty, it’s everything you need on a lazy evening.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, going back to basics is exactly what the evening calls for. Spaghetti Marinara is a classic dish that’s uncomplicated but always hits the spot. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of the simple pleasures in life. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, leaving more time for relaxing after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

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.

When it’s too hot to even think about turning on the stove, Macaroni Salad is there for you. It’s cold, creamy, and incredibly easy to throw together. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or a side dish when you just can’t deal with cooking. Plus, it’s customizable with whatever you have in the fridge, making it a versatile option for those lazy nights.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Arrabiata Sauce

Arrabiata sauce in an open jar wit fresh basil on top and tomatoes and chili flakes around it.
Arrabiata Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of kick, Arrabiata Sauce has got you covered. It’s spicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a meal that’s effortlessly delicious. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and excitement for a low-key dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Arrabiata Sauce

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew that crispy, golden pizza could be this easy? With an air fryer, Air Fryer Pizza comes together in no time, making it a game changer for busy evenings. Forget about delivery and throw together a pizza that’s quick, delicious, and exactly to your taste. It’s a surefire hit for those nights when you’re craving something homemade but simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a dish that feels a bit fancy without all the work? Penne Alla Vodka is your answer. It’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the perfect dish for when you want to treat yourself. It brings a touch of indulgence to your dinner table without any of the stress.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Marinara Sauce

A jar of marinara sauce and a couple of spoons by it.
Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t let a busy schedule keep you from enjoying a homemade meal. Marinara Sauce is not only easy to make but also versatile, serving as the perfect base for many Italian dishes. It’s quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor that can elevate any simple pasta dish. Ideal for those evenings when you want something homemade but effortless.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Sauce

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For those nights when you’re feeling a bit adventurous but still want to keep things simple, Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta is the way to go. It’s vibrant, full of flavor, and completely dairy-free. This dish proves that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a delicious way to end a busy day with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Embrace the flavors of Italy with a healthy twist with Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale. This one-pan meal is not only easy to clean up but also filled with nutrients. It beautifully combines simplicity with taste, making it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome dinner. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When life gives you lemons, make Best Lemon Pasta. This dish is a bright and refreshing option that’s effortlessly easy to put together. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory, guaranteeing to bring a bit of sunshine into your evening. Ideal for those nights when you crave something light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

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.

Entertaining or just treating yourself, Caprese Pesto Tarts are a comforting choice that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night. These tarts marry the classic flavors of caprese with the ease of ready-made pastry in an unexpectedly simple way. They’re perfect for when you want a meal that feels special without any of the work. A brilliant pick for a laid-back evening where you still wish to dine in style.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On those evenings when you’re looking for something different but still easy, Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta is a great option. It’s nutty, rich, and comes together with minimal ingredients. This dish is a testament to the fact that simple can still be amazingly flavorful. It’s the perfect remedy for dinner doldrums, bringing a unique twist to your table without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

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