Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and there's no better way to bring the taste of Italy into your own kitchen than with these classic Italian recipes. From pasta dishes to pizzas and everything in between, cooking up these traditional Italian dishes will make it feel like your Italian nonna is right there with you. So, let's dive in and discover the best Italian recipes that will make Nonna proud.
Classic Italian Recipes We Can't Get Enough Of
Italian food is known and loved worldwide, and it's much more than just pasta. While we all enjoy popular Italian dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, calzone, and stromboli, it's time to dig a little deeper and explore the vast array of flavors that Italian cuisine has to offer. From sides and drinks to desserts, Italian cuisine has something for everyone. So, let's explore some of the best Italian recipes that will become your new go-to weeknight meals.
Italian Appetizers and Sides
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
This appetizer features toasted Italian bread brushed with olive oil and topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil. The combination of flavors is simple yet incredibly delicious. To take it up a notch, add a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over the toast. It's the perfect way to start any Italian meal.
Italian Salad
No Italian meal is complete without a refreshing salad. This Italian salad is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dish or can be enjoyed on its own for a quick and fresh lunch. The homemade dressing is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor with parsley, basil, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey. Toss it with romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, and feta cheese for a delicious salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Caponata (Saucy Aubergine Salad)
For a taste of Sicily, try Caponata, a traditional saucy aubergine salad. The combination of savory, sweet, and sour flavors will have you falling in love with this dish. By browning the onion and celery and then adding olives and capers, you create a depth of flavor. Stir in vinegar to give it a slightly sour taste. Allow the dish to sit and let the flavors marry before serving it with some crusty bread.
Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is famed for its dimpled surface and soft, chewy texture. It's a delicious bread enriched with olive oil and often topped with herbs, spices, and tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at baking bread, this is a must-try Italian recipe. The effort you put into it will be well worth it when you taste the warm, fresh bread straight from the oven.
Pesto Mozzarella Arancini (Risotto Balls)
Arancini are crispy, bite-sized risotto balls that are perfect for snacking or appetizers. These decadent arancini are made with a heart of molten mozzarella and a swirl of pesto. They take street food to a gourmet level and are sure to impress your guests.
Classic Italian Caprese Salad
When you have fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on hand, you can't go wrong with a classic caprese salad. It's a combination of sweet juicy tomatoes, peppery basil, and mildly rich mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil. This simple summer salad is delicious in its simplicity. Be sure to use high-quality, fresh ingredients to really bring out the magic of this appetizer.
No-Knead Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta bread is an Italian sandwich bread with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. It's similar to the French baguette but with a more porous texture, thanks to its high water-to-flour ratio. If you're up for the challenge of baking bread, this is one of the Italian dinner recipes worth trying. The effort you put into making this delicious bread will be well worth it.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
For Italian food lovers, homemade marinara is a kitchen must-have. It elevates pasta, pizza, and so many other dishes. This easy recipe beats store-bought versions, boasting rich tomato flavor infused with herbs. And the best part? You can make it in just 30 minutes without needing any special skills. Once you try homemade marinara, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Easy Chicken Dinners
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian recipe that the whole family will love. It's all about crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The key to a perfect chicken parmesan is pounding the chicken breasts thinly and evenly, setting up a breading station, and layering the ingredients in a baking pan. Mangia!
Chicken Piccata
Looking for a dish that combines American and Italian cuisines? Chicken piccata is the answer. Chicken cutlets are paired with tangy and briny capers and bathed in a bold white wine and lemon butter sauce. It's a simple yet elegant dish that will surely impress your dinner guests.
Chicken Marsala
If you're not afraid of umami-rich flavors, chicken marsala is a must-try Italian recipe. This dish features pan-fried chicken cutlets and mushrooms coated in a thick, earthy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce made with Marsala wine and herbs. Serve it with jasmine rice or buttered noodles for a hearty Italian meal.
Italian Pesto Chicken
Italian pesto chicken takes a humble chicken breast and elevates it with rich and earthy ingredients like homemade pesto sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can make a simple homemade pesto sauce using basil, almonds, olive oil, lemon, parmesan, and more. But if you're short on time, store-bought pesto will work just fine. Either way, this dish is sure to impress.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is a rustic, hearty dish full of flavor. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and a mix of herbs. Serve it over pasta or rice for a satisfying Italian meal. The best part? It's easy to whip up, giving you that slow-cooked Sunday dinner taste on a weeknight time budget.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Short on time? This one-pan Tuscan chicken has got you covered. It's creamy, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes. Don't be fooled by the simple ingredients - this dish packs a flavor punch. Made with Alfredo, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan, the rich sauce coats the chicken for bold flavors. Serve it solo or with pasta and enjoy.
Caprese Chicken
Gooey cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a slightly sweet balsamic reduction give so much flavor to this Caprese chicken. While it may look fancy, it's surprisingly easy to put together. Simply saute the chicken until golden brown, pile it high with sun-dried tomatoes and cheese slices, bake for about 10 minutes, and finish it off with a healthy drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Pizzas
Neapolitan Pizza
Can't make it to Naples for authentic Neapolitan pizza? This recipe is the next best thing. Neapolitan pizza is all about simplicity. The sauce is made with canned tomatoes, and you top it with fresh mozzarella and basil. The key to an authentic crust is homemade dough, which is actually super easy to make. Don't be intimidated; give it a try and upgrade your pizza night.
Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)
Sink your teeth into pizza Bianca - a white pizza with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of white cheeses. This pizza is all about pure Italian simplicity with a touch of sophistication. Customize it with your favorite toppings and savor the deliciousness.
Calzone
Crispy calzones stuffed with cheese beat pizza slices any day. Try this recipe for yourself and see. These savory pockets are perfect for on-the-go meals and can even be frozen for later. Use store-bought pizza dough and fill it with your favorite toppings - sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, veggies - for a calzone heaven.
Margherita Pizza
Picture a thin, crispy crust topped with a bright red tomato sauce, creamy white mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. Folks, say hello to the simple yet undeniably delicious pizza Margherita. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy tomato, savory cheese, and fresh herb flavors, all coming together to create a flavorful symphony.
Italian Dinner Recipes
Muffuletta (Sicilian Sandwich)
Discover the deliciousness of muffuletta, a sandwich piled high with meat and veggies. A classic muffuletta sandwich features a fresh olive salad made with olives, capers, peppers, parsley, giardiniera, and garlic. Spread this on your roll, then layer on soppressata, mortadella, capicola, and provolone, repeating the layers for a mouthwatering meal.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)
If you're looking for a show-stopping main course, try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, also known as Florentine steak. This thick steak is seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper and is meant to be shared. Opt for a thick porterhouse steak for the best results and serve it with sides like roasted potatoes or a beautiful Italian salad.
Gordon Ramsay Meatballs
These meatballs are golden and crisp on the outside, soft as a cloud on the inside. Draped in rich marinara, each bite is a burst of homestyle Italian goodness. Pair them with pasta or tuck them into a sandwich, and just like that, dinner's served.
Rosemary Mushroom Risotto
Think risotto is hard to make? Think again! Try this scrumptious rosemary mushroom risotto and see just how simple it can be. The trick is to add warm broth slowly, so the rice cooks perfectly. Don't rush this meal! With mustard for tang and rosemary for flavor, this risotto is sure to impress your guests with its aroma and taste.
Osso Buco (Braised Veal Shanks)
If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, why not give osso buco a try? This traditional Italian dish features melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone veal shanks slow-cooked in a white wine and tomato broth. Pair it with gremolata, a sauce made of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, to cut through its richness. Serve with risotto or mashed potatoes for a truly indulgent meal.
Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan)
Eggplant parmesan stacks eggplant's earthy flavor with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. Baked until golden, it's hearty without being heavy. That aroma of melting cheese and tomato? It's what dinner dreams are made of. Finally, eggplant gets the spotlight it deserves!
Pasta and Gnocchi Dishes
Spaghetti Bolognese
The timeless bolognese always hits the spot with its rich, meaty, and tomatoey goodness. That said, everyone needs to have a recipe for it. If you don’t have one yet, this one won’t disappoint.
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina
For a taste of Italy, try gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This simple yet flavorful dish combines pillowy potato dumplings with zesty sauce and a heap of cheese. Garnish with fresh basil, and you've got an Italian hit without the need for a plane ticket.
Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper Pasta)
Cacio e pepe is a pasta dish that amazes with its simplicity. Made with just spaghetti, pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a bit of pasta water, this dish is all about the quality of the ingredients. The combination of cheese and pepper creates a sauce that will blow you away with its flavor.
Traditional Italian Carbonara
PSA: Don't ruin carbonara by adding heavy cream! Authentic carbonara requires only 5 ingredients: spaghetti, guanciale (or pancetta), black pepper, pecorino Romano cheese, and eggs. That's it. No cream, milk, bacon, or garlic. Don't believe any recipe that says otherwise.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
If you like your carbonara or Alfredo extra decadent, consider chicken tetrazzini. What makes this casserole iconic is its unbelievably rich and creamy sauce made with creamed soups, sour cream, butter, and all kinds of cheeses. It's umami overload, and it's absolutely delicious.
Baked Ravioli Lasagna
This ravioli lasagna layers plump pillows of ravioli with robust marinara and melty cheese. It's comfort food with a clever shortcut, ready to conquer dinner with ease.
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Tomato Sauce
Gnudi are soft dumplings made with ricotta cheese and spinach. They're like the cheesy spinach filling of ravioli but without the pasta outside. Served in a tomato sauce, they're simple and delicious.
Pasta Fagioli al Forno (Baked Pasta and Beans)
Gather your loved ones for Pasta Fagioli al Forno, or "baked pasta with beans." This cheesy Italian dish bursts with flavor from herbs, spices, and Italian sausage. Sauteed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic create the base, followed by a medley of delicious ingredients, including two types of cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly for a dish that's sure to please.
Chicken Florentine Pasta
Chicken Florentine Pasta hits the spot with its creamy goodness. Each forkful brings you juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce. The sauce is rich but not too heavy, thanks to white wine and sun-dried tomatoes that cut through the cream. It's the kind of meal that you whip up on a whim but eats like a weekend treat.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is like a warm blanket in the form of food. You've got pasta, cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese all coming together for a satisfying dish. It's rich, sure, but sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. Just a bowl of that creamy pasta can turn a bad day around or make a good day even better.
Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is a Sicilian dish full of eggplant, flavorful marinara, and fresh basil. Roasting the eggplant instead of frying it makes it lighter and easier to prepare. Not many ingredients are needed to make this simple dish, so you can have it on the dinner table in no time.
Lasagna
Lasagna usually takes forever to make, but not this one. With store-bought marinara, you've already slashed the prep time. Layer it up with meat and cheese, bake until bubbly, and enjoy a classic comfort food feast without the usual fuss. It's lasagna on the fast track, still loaded with all the classic flavors.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is comfort food with an Italian twist. The cheese gets bubbly after baking and then forms a thin crust as it cools, creating a wonderful contrast of crisp and gooey. It's a winner that will satisfy your cravings.
Soups and Stews
Rustic Ribollita (White Bean Soup)
Ribollita is Tuscan soul food. This veggie-packed soup is made with white beans, garden veggies, and bread, which thickens the mix and gives it a unique, stew-like texture. Simmered for an hour, it becomes a comforting, filling feast.
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale
When it's cold outside and you need something comforting to warm you up, you can always count on tortellini soup. From the creamy broth to the meaty sausage and chewy tortellini, this cozy soup will have you licking the bowl.
Cacciucco (Tuscan Seafood Stew)
Cacciucco, also known as Tuscan seafood stew, features five types of seafood, one for each 'c' in its name. Seasoned with garlic, parsley, sage, and red wine vinegar, and spiced up with red pepper flakes, this stew is served on top of homemade croutons to soak up the flavorful broth.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a delightful combination of pasta, greens, and vegetables in a tomato broth. It's a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables while savoring the flavors of Italy. The addition of parmesan cheese adds richness to the soup, making it perfect for kids too.
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Tuscan chicken and transforms it into a seafood delight. Creamy garlic butter Tuscan shrimp features succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp is unbeatable.
The Best Italian Desserts and Drinks
Biscotti (Cantucci)
Biscotti are almond cookies that crackle with every bite, blending toasty nuts with a dash of orange. Crisp, crunchy, and just sweet enough, these Italian classics make coffee time more special. Dunk one in your espresso and let that crunch be the highlight of your break.
Authentic Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that features creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa. Smooth, coffee-kissed, and requiring no baking, it's a perfect chilled dessert that's sure to impress.
Italian Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate takes hot cocoa to a whole new level. Made with real dark chocolate, whole milk, and sugar, it's thick, slightly sweet, and incredibly indulgent. Close your eyes while sipping this velvety concoction, and you might just find yourself transported to an Italian cafe.
Strawberry Nutella Pizza
For a delightful dessert-pizza hybrid, try strawberry Nutella pizza. This sweet treat combines the nutty flavor of Nutella with juicy strawberries, all on top of a pizza crust. Sliced almonds add a delightful crunch. Mix it up with toppings like peanut butter, chocolate chips, or bananas for even more variety.
Bellini
Class up your brunch with a refreshing bellini. This simple yet elegant drink combines peaches and prosecco for a perfect bubbly and fresh concoction. Blend peeled and pitted peaches to get a smooth puree, chill it for 30 minutes, add 2 ounces of puree to a flute, and top it with prosecco. Cheers!
Cappuccino
End your epic dinner party with great conversation and a hot, foamy cappuccino. Made with coffee, water, and milk, cappuccino is a rich and indulgent drink that is sure to impress your guests. If you have a cappuccino maker, let it do all the hard work for you.
Affogato
Affogato is a simple yet decadent dessert that combines espresso and ice cream. Picture a scoop of vanilla gelato taking a steamy espresso shower. The ice cream melts into a silky river, and each spoonful is a wake-up call to your senses. It's like a dessert but with a caffeine kick.
Conclusion
These 50 best Italian recipes are sure to make Nonna proud. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, comforting soups, and indulgent desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, don your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen. Buon appetito!
