21 easy Italian recipes that will make it feel like Nonna is in the kitchen with you

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Italian food is one of those cuisines where it’s so easy to order takeout. However, it’s also a cuisine where you’ll feel a real sense of satisfaction when you make a delicious dish from scratch. Try one of these 21 Italian recipes and see if you don’t feel like Nonna is in the kitchen with you — whether you have an Italian grandmother or not.

Close-up of two slices of pizza with cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil on parchment paper.
Easy Pepperoni Pizza. Photo credit: My Full Belly.

Goat Cheese Pizza Sauce

A hand holding a slice of freshly baked pizza with cheese stretching between the slice and the rest of the pizza.
Goat Cheese Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Goat cheese in your pizza sauce takes your pizza game up a notch. The creamy richness it brings to the tomato sauce transforms your pizza into something truly special. You’ll love how this twist makes every slice a standout.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Pizza Sauce

Sourdough Pizza Dough

Sliced gourmet pizza with arugula and balsamic glaze on a wooden board.
Sourdough Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

If you haven’t tried Sourdough Pizza Dough yet, now is the perfect moment to dive in. Pizza night always brings excitement, but using sourdough takes it to a whole new level. You’ll appreciate the added depth and texture in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pizza Dough

Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates

A close-up of freshly baked focaccia topped with rosemary, caramelized onions, and cheese.
Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Focaccia Bread with Goat Cheese and Dates makes a fantastic choice for brunch or a potluck. It’s a fun upgrade from your typical cheese dips and works perfectly for feeding a crowd. Everyone will appreciate the combination of flavors and the easy-to-share style.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Focaccia with Dates

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth.
Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pasta Puttanesca is perfect for busy nights when you want bold flavors without the time commitment. It comes together quickly so you can have a hearty meal without a lot of prep work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Homemade Focaccia Bread

A rosemary-topped loaf of bread in a decorative baking dish, placed on a tablecloth with a tiled backsplash in the background.
Homemade Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Homemade Focaccia is a must for anyone who enjoys olive oil. You can top it with rosemary, cheese, veggies or meat. It’s easy to make and serves well as a side, appetizer or even a main dish. You’ll find it’s a versatile favorite that everyone will want to try.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Focaccia Bread

Risotto Shrimp Scampi

A bowl of creamy risotto with shrimp, topped with green herbs, and a spoon resting on the side.
Risotto Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Risotto Shrimp Scampi combines two Italian favorites in one amazing dish. It’s quick to whip up, especially if you use pre-made risotto. You’ll impress your guests with this tasty meal that feels fancy without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Risotto Shrimp Scampi

Fast No Rise Pizza Dough

A ladle pours tomato sauce onto an uncooked pizza dough placed on a round black pan.
Fast No Rise Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Need pizza dough in a hurry? Fast No Rise Pizza Dough has you sorted. Just mix, shape, top and bake to enjoy homemade pizza in no time. It’s a lifesaver for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Fast No Rise Pizza Dough

Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

A person pulling apart a gooey, cheese-filled arancini with more of the fried rice balls and sauce in the background.
Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Arancini are crispy, fried risotto balls filled with cheese. With Trader Joe’s no longer carrying them, we’ve crafted a copycat version that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish. You’ll love how easy it is to make these tasty bites that are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

A close-up of fettuccine Alfredo topped with grilled chicken pieces, garnished with parsley. Breadstick visible in the background.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a quick, easy dinner that tastes just like the restaurant version. Seasoned chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce make it a meal you’ll enjoy at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

Best Way to Reheat Lasagna

A slice of freshly baked lasagna with melted cheese on a white plate.
Best Way to Reheat Lasagna. Photo credit: Adobe Photos.

Reheating leftover lasagna can be a bit tricky. These tips will ensure you get that perfect slice when it’s time to warm it up for dinner. You’ll enjoy every bite just as much as the first time around without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Best Way to Reheat Lasagna

Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

A hand holding a fork twirls spaghetti with shrimp in a white bowl, with a glass of white wine in the background on a wooden table.
Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine is a classic Italian dish that’s both quick and impressive. It transforms simple ingredients into something remarkable, whether you’re cooking just for yourself or hosting a gathering. Everyone will appreciate the fresh flavors and easy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

Basic Risotto

A person scooping risotto from a red-rimmed bowl on a wooden table with a white napkin and scattered herbs.
Basic Risotto. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Risotto is a beloved northern Italian favorite made with rice, garlic, onions and cheese. It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own but also pairs perfectly with veggies or protein for a complete meal. You’ll love how versatile and comforting it can be in any setting.
Get the Recipe: Basic Risotto

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot is a hearty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s just what you need when you want a comforting and flavorful dinner in a flash. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to clean up after enjoying this tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal.
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta combines bowtie pasta, seasoned chicken and bacon for a simple yet tasty dish. This meal is easy to prepare and delivers a comforting mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy. You’ll find it’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A blue bowl filled with shrimp and rice, topped with green herbs, with a metal spoon in the bowl.
Easy Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Shrimp Scampi is quick, easy and guaranteed to impress. With minimal prep, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time. You’ll love how this dish brings a touch of elegance to your dinner without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A white bowl filled with tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and feta cheese on a red-and-white checkered tablecloth.
Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cold Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta from an Italian meal. Skip the reheating and enjoy it cold with salad dressing, cheese and your favorite veggies. This dish makes for a refreshing and easy option that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Easy Tomato Focaccia

Freshly baked focaccia with cherry tomatoes and herbs in a rectangular baking dish.
Easy Tomato Focaccia. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Easy Tomato Focaccia Bread merges a love for focaccia and pizza into one mouthwatering creation. This puffy, pizza-like bread is my gourmet twist on cafeteria pizza. You’ll find it’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy two favorites in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Focaccia

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Close-up of tortellini pasta cooking in a creamy yellow sauce with pieces of chicken, stirred by a wooden spoon.
Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini is a one-pot meal that tastes just like the restaurant version. Chicken simmers in Alfredo sauce and with cream and tortellini, it becomes a hearty, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Slow Cooker Caesar Chicken With Pasta

A ladle scooping creamy chicken pasta with rotini and spinach from a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Caesar Chicken With Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When you make Caesar Chicken with Pasta in the Slow Cooker, you’re setting yourself up for multiple meals. From the first warm bowl of pasta to leftover creamy chicken, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Caesar Chicken With Pasta

Easy Pepperoni Pizza

Close-up of a cheese pizza slice with tomato sauce and fresh basil on a parchment background.
Easy Pepperoni Pizza. Photo credit: My Full Belly.

The Easy Pepperoni Pizza recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving comfort food. Shake up your routine and give this pizza a try. It might just become your new weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pepperoni Pizza

Easy Gremolata Recipe

A bowl filled with chopped green leafy vegetables, placed on a table.
Easy Gremolata Recipe. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Gremolata is a simple, Italian parsley-based condiment that adds a fresh pop of flavor to any dish. It’s often served as a garnish with fish or meat and is a great alternative to tabbouleh without the grains. Here’s an easy way to make it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gremolata Recipe

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