Some recipes are so good, even Nonna wouldn’t mess with them. These 17 Italian dishes bring everything you love—comfort, tradition, and that feeling that someone’s yelling at you to eat more. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or just a random Tuesday, they’ll make any meal feel like an event. If anyone asks for changes, just channel your inner Italian grandmother and give them the look.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
If you’re in the mood for comfort food, look no further than Italian Pot Roast Pasta. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. The slow-cooked richness wraps around the pasta like a warm hug from a family member. It’s a tried-and-true classic that has stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Classic Shrimp Scampi
There’s a reason Classic Shrimp Scampi has such fanfare. It’s both simple and indulgent, proving that good food doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Perfect for a quick meal without sacrificing elegance, it’s honestly no fuss and all flavor. Trust me, your dinner table will feel like a small trattoria in no time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Italian Wedding Soup
Containing all the heartiness you crave, Italian Wedding Soup is like attending a celebration of food in every bowl. It embodies tradition and taste in equal measure, offering nourishment that’s as comforting as it is hearty. Each spoonful feels like it has been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of staple that’s a big win on chilly days or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Sausage Parmigiana
The classic Sausage Parmigiana brings the familiar charm of Italian cuisine right to your plate. It’s overflowing with beautiful simplicity, melding rich flavors in a way that seems meant to be. This dish shows off how less can truly be more when done just right. And once it’s on the table, everyone’s going to want to tuck in.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
With Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’re getting a duo that’s been going strong since who knows when. This is rustic eating at its best, offering comfort in every spoonful. It’s perfect for those times when you need something both filling and hearty. Gather around the table with this one, and you’ll find it’s the stuff of weeknight legends.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Get a taste of Italian-American flair with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Invite some friends over, serve this up, and watch them go all in – no doubt they’ll be chanting ‘Mamma Mia!’ It captures the vibrant, social spirit that Italian dining is famous for. Bonus points for making your place the new go-to for incredible eats.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Chicken Cacciatore
Bring the flavors of a rustic Italian countryside to your home with Chicken Cacciatore. This is one for the books, with a hearty embrace that’s as comforting as an old friend. It’s a straight-shooting, no-nonsense kind of meal that never disappoints. On days when you need a little extra warmth in your life, this is the dish to turn to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Baked Pesto Salmon
When you try Baked Pesto Salmon, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to bring these flavors together. It’s a unique twist on salmon that’s bound to shake up your weeknight routine. This one’s perfect for when you want to step up your dinner game but still keep things chill. The freshness and simplicity blend so well, it’s almost like they were made for each other.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Every spoonful of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup feels like a throwback to simpler times. This hearty soup comes from the heart, showcasing the power of good, solid home cooking. It’s what you want when you’re looking to get a taste of tradition without stepping one foot outside. On days when you need a warm embrace, let this soup be your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Pizza Sauce
Pizza Sauce is the quiet backbone of a phenomenal pizza. It’s all about hitting those classic notes right, creating the perfect baseline for whatever toppings you throw at it. This sauce is simple, robust, and ready to mingle with dough and cheese for the ultimate trio. Just spread it on and let the oven do its thing – you’re in for a winner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Zuppa Toscana Soup
If you’re looking for something that’s hearty without being heavy, Zuppa Toscana Soup is your answer. It’s a no-brainer for when you want a bowl that’s both grounding and inviting. From the first spoonful to the last, it feels like something special. Even when you’re just chilling at home, a bowl of this soup can make any day feel extra cozy.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata has that perfect balance of being both aristocratic and approachable. It’s the go-to for an impressive meal without the theatrics – think low effort, high impact. A plate of this lets you pull off a casual yet polished dinner like a boss. It’s as if you’re waving a magic wand over your dining table – only it’s your cooking that’s doing all the work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
This recipe is not just any old dressing; it’s a game changer for salads. Here’s the skinny: it packs a punch, turns heads, and yes, it’s that good. Simple to put together, Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette makes even the most basic greens sing – no backup needed. Whether you’re all about those salad life goals or just need something quick, this dressing’s got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
When you think pizza, Ham & Asparagus Pizza probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your head, but trust me, it should be. This dish combines unique ingredients on a crispy crust in a way that just works. Even your grandma, who sticks to her traditional recipes, wouldn’t dare suggest changes to this masterpiece. It’s a fun, unexpected option for dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe brings a little bit of Italy straight to your kitchen in a way that’s both simple and delicious. The combination of ingredients won’t just fill you up; it’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been eating this your whole life. Cooking it all in one skillet means less mess and more time enjoying your meal. It’s a dish that stands out for its hearty ingredients and ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Tomato Bruschetta Board
This dish is the ideal way to start any meal or serve as a light snack that everyone can enjoy. It’s all about the freshness of the ingredients and how they come together on a piece of toasted bread. Tomato Bruschetta Board takes something simple and upgrades it to something special without being pretentious. It’s the go-to for a no-fuss, yet thoroughly enjoyable, eat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
If you’re in the mood for pasta with a bit of kick, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is the way to go. It nails the balance between creamy sauce and just the right amount of spice. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight meal. It’s the type of dish that makes you feel like a chef in your own kitchen without the need for a culinary degree.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka