19 Italian recipes that are sure to become family favorites

Photo of author

| Published:

Italian cuisine is known for its comforting flavors and simple ingredients. These 19 recipes bring the essence of Italy right to your kitchen, making them perfect for any family dinner. From hearty soups to flavorful pastas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to add these easy and delicious Italian dishes to your regular meal rotation.

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This simple pasta dish combines garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a quick, flavorful meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The main ingredients include spaghetti, garlic, and chili peppers, giving it a spicy kick. Enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Sourdough Focaccia

A pillowy sourdough focaccia.
Sourdough Focaccia. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A light and airy sourdough focaccia that takes about 24 hours to prepare, including rising time. Made with flour, water, olive oil, and sourdough starter, this bread is worth the wait. It features a crisp crust and a tender, chewy interior. Ideal for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This quick side dish features Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil, ready in just 15 minutes. The vibrant colors and tender texture make it a beautiful and nutritious addition to any meal. Main ingredients are rainbow chard, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy your greens.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A hearty minestrone soup that’s ready in about an hour, filled with vegetables, beans, and sausage. This comforting dish uses tomatoes, carrots, celery, and Italian sausage to create a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a satisfying meal on its own or with some crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Rosemary sourdough bread on cutting board.
Rosemary Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This fragrant rosemary sourdough bread takes around 24 hours to make, including fermentation time. The main ingredients are flour, water, sourdough starter, and fresh rosemary. It has a crisp crust and a soft, aromatic interior. Perfect for toasting or enjoying with butter.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A slow cooker lamb ragu that’s rich and savory, requiring about 8 hours to cook. Made with lamb, tomatoes, garlic, and red wine, this dish is full of deep flavors. Serve it over pasta or polenta for a hearty meal. The tender lamb and robust sauce make it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These grilled scallops are ready in 30 minutes and feature a bright, refreshing sauce made with lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio. The main ingredients include scallops, fresh mint, and lemon juice. The dish offers a perfect balance of citrus and herb flavors. Ideal for a light, elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce inside a white dish.
Stuffed Pepper. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This stuffed pepper recipe is a low-carb option ready in about 45 minutes, featuring bell peppers filled with cauliflower rice, ground meat, and spices. The main ingredients are bell peppers, cauliflower, and ground beef. It’s a savory and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Great for meal prep or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper

Penne al Baffo

a dish of penne al baffo topped with parsley.
Penne al Baffo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Penne al Baffo is a creamy pasta dish ready in 20 minutes, combining penne with ham, tomato sauce, and cream. The main ingredients are penne, ham, and heavy cream. It’s rich and comforting, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. The creaminess of the sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This grilled bruschetta chicken is ready in 30 minutes and features chicken breasts topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. The main ingredients are chicken, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian slow cooker pork roast takes about 8 hours to cook, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The main ingredients are pork shoulder, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s perfect for a family dinner or leftovers. The savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant tomato stacks are a simple yet elegant dish ready in 40 minutes, featuring layers of eggplant, tomatoes, and mozzarella. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a light and flavorful dish perfect for a vegetarian meal. Serve it as an appetizer or a main course.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This slow cooker Zuppa Toscana is a hearty soup ready in 6 hours, featuring sausage, kale, and potatoes. The main ingredients are Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cold day. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Italian meatball soup is a warming dish ready in about an hour, filled with homemade meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. The main ingredients include ground beef, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for dinner. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian chicken cutlets are crispy and delicious, ready in 30 minutes. The main ingredients are chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. They’re perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Serve them with a side of pasta or salad.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Slices of chocolate pistachio cake.
No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This no-bake chocolate pistachio cake is a quick dessert ready in 20 minutes, featuring layers of chocolate and crunchy pistachios. The main ingredients are dark chocolate, pistachios, and biscuits. It’s a rich and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Keep it in the fridge for a quick sweet fix.
Get the Recipe: No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli soup is a comforting dish ready in 45 minutes, made with pasta, beans, and vegetables. The main ingredients are ditalini pasta, cannellini beans, and tomatoes. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for dinner. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup

A girl holding a bowl of tomato soup.
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Roasted creamy tomato soup is a rich and velvety dish ready in 40 minutes, featuring roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. The main ingredients are tomatoes, basil, and cream. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for any meal. Serve it with grilled cheese for a classic combination.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked feta pasta is a creamy and tangy dish ready in 40 minutes, combining baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta. The main ingredients are feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.