Get ready to savor the essence of Italian cuisine with this collection of 19 must-try recipes. From hearty pasta dishes to savory soups, cheesy calzones to zesty tomato tarts, this recipe collection promises to leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, these creations are sure to bring the flavors of Italy to your table.
Caprese Panini
Savor the melding of classic Italian flavors in this simple caprese panini, a delicious and easy sandwich filled with cheesy comfort. This ooey, gooey comforting sandwich lets you enjoy your favorite salad in a whole new way.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Simple Marinara Sauce
Delight your taste buds with this savory homemade marinara sauce recipe. Bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic as any good Italian marinara does, this sauce is the perfect companion for your favorite pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is one of those Italian comfort food meals that sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, including getting your water to boil. Cheesy carbs don’t get any better than this.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Tomato Soup is velvety-smooth, rich, and bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes in an effortless Instant Pot recipe. Get ready to warm your soul with this classic and satisfying soup that’s perfect by itself or with a grilled cheese sandwich for a taste of childhood.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Delight in a bowl of comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup, an Italian-inspired dish that’s made even more delightful with leftover rotisserie chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth for a satisfying and flavorful Italian comfort meal that tastes like your nonni made it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta is a dreamy and flavorful Italian comfort food dish that will leave you wanting more. This family favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
You will crave this Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce recipe. Juicy meatballs, bathed in a savory and rich tomato sauce, get cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot in a far easier meal than traditional Italian all-day meatballs and sauce.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Potato Gnocchi
Indulge in the pillowy goodness of homemade Potato Gnocchi, a classic Italian dish that is surprisingly easy to make. These delicate dumplings will melt in your mouth. Serve them with your favorite sauce or pesto for a complete and satisfying Italian comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Filled with savory goodness, they are the perfect Italian comfort food meal to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Enjoy this make-ahead appetizer with the bold and vibrant flavors of slow-roasted Italian tomatoes. Bursting with intense tomato goodness, these roasted beauties have a fantastic burst of flavor, and they’re great to eat by the handful alongside other veggies, adding Italian flair to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Experience the comfort and elegance of Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup, a velvety blend of beans, herbs, and savory goodness that warms you from within. Its creamy consistency makes sure you will savor the delightful Tuscan flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Veggies never looked so good. Savor this colorful and flavorful Italian-inspired baked ratatouille, a perfect comfort dish filled with fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Calzones
Indulge in a savory delight with Calzones, filled with a your favorite
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Indulge in creamy Italian comfort food with our Instant Pot Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Creamy arborio rice, infused with the freshness of peas and a zesty hint of lemon, all achieved effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Forget standing over the pot and stirring – this is how to enjoy risotto.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Tomato Basil Bisque
Experience the comforting harmony of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil in this rich and velvety Tomato Basil Bisque. This classic Italian comfort food soup is a delightful blend of flavors, offering a warm and satisfying dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This Italian-inspired tuna and tomato pasta is so simple that kids can make it (with supervision, of course). This dinner is perfect for weeknight comfort food, as it’s ready in about 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Discover the ultimate time-saving hack for lasagna lovers: irresistible lasagna roll-ups that can be whipped up in a flash. In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly portioned lasagna goodness, oozing with layers of cheese and Italian flavors. Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to quick and easy lasagna satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Spinach Orzo Salad
Pair fresh hot orzo and spinach to create a perfect Italian comfort food that makes a delicious pasta side dish. This pairs beautifully with fish or chicken, or you can enjoy it on its own for a light and flavorful pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Enjoy a quick and flavorful twist on chicken and pea risotto with this cheater recipe that incorporates tender rotisserie chicken and peas into a creamy risotto-style dish, sans the traditional arborio rice and extensive stirring. With a hint of Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a delightful Italian-inspired shortcut without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto