Be ready to cook up a Mediterranean storm with these 25 authentic Italian dishes, from mouth-watering chicken parmesan to hearty lasagna soup, all made with a big splash of TLC.
Italian dishes are a standout across the world, finding them from the depths of Asia all the way to Italy itself and now from the comfort of your kitchen with our 25+ Italian food recipes for memorable meals.
1. Crispy Chicken Parmesan
You might think pasta and pizza are the most famous Italian food, but you’ll be surprised to learn that chicken parmesan is one of the most ordered chicken dishes, and it’s so easy to make. This recipe will have you craving more with its crispy crumb coating draped in delicious tomato sauce and melted cheese.
2. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Got a lot of hungry mouths to feed? This baked ziti with sausage is fit to feed a crowd.
This recipe is loaded with Italian sausage and pumped full of flavor with garlic, pepper flakes, cream, and plenty of cheese for that stringy texture that has you craving more.
3. Easy Homemade Lasagna
Nothing can beat the hearty feeling a homemade lasagna gives and this recipe is here to certainly impress. It’s the perfect family dish that’ll have everyone grabbing for seconds.
This easy lasagna dish only needs the basic ingredients to bring it all together, including ricotta cheese, your favorite herbs and spices, pasta sauce, garlic, mozzarella, egg, parsley, lasagna noodles, onion, tomato paste, parmesan, and most importantly, ground beef and sausage.
Serve with crusty garlic bread to earn extra points from the kids.
4. Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Craving warm comfort food as the colder months settle in?
We’ve got you covered with this creamy and delicious lemon parmesan chicken recipe. It’s sure to warm your belly and heart.
Choose anything from pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or vegetables to pair it with.
5. The Best Easy Pasta Salad
Need those greens but craving carbs? Combine the two with this super easy pasta salad, made simply with pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, salami, olives, herbs, and a splash or drench of homemade Italian dressing.
Summer or winter, this pasta salad slaps.
6. Easy Calzone Recipe
Ever tried making pizza pockets at home?
These calzones are ideal for potlucks and school or work lunches; all your favorite toppings are folded inside delicious pizza dough; you can either use store-bought or homemade dough.
7. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs
Taste authentic Italy with this melt-in-your-mouth Italian meatballs recipe. No matter where you are in the world, the combination of beef, onion, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley will have your tastebuds transported straight to the streets of Italy.
Serve them over a steaming bowl of spaghetti and couple with garlic bread for the perfect combination.
8. Sausage Tortellini Soup
Need a quick lunch or dinner recipe?
This sausage tortellini soup is delicious and only takes a speedy 30 minutes to make with minimal ingredients. Save the hassle of a deep shop by only needing sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
9. Olive Garden’s Alfredo Sauce
Fancy a dreamy dinner? Look no further. Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce is to die for.
For the best combo, pair your sauce with fettuccine noodles; the noodles soak up the thick sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that you won’t be able to resist.
But beware, this sauce is so addictive it might even take over your life.
10. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is the ideal Italian winter soup, full of hearty goodness and packed with beans and veggies.
For those who enjoy a little spice, add some red pepper flakes.
11. Creamy Tomato Pasta
Are you fed up with having to shop for groceries and want a recipe you can make without leaving the comfort of your home? This creamy tomato pasta, made from ingredients often found in the fridge and cupboard, will do the job.
It’s so simple yet hits the spot and it’s an absolute must-try.
12. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
Seafood lovers, this dish has your name all over it. Unleash your inner chef and be the talk of the town. This recipe is to die for with its creamy tones, and all made in under 15 minutes.
13. Classic Eggplant Parmesan
Take a break from meat dishes with this veggie favorite full of goodness with every bite.
This veggie version of a chicken parmigiana is easily assembled with eggplant, melted mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara sauce.
14. One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Italian food doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why this easy creamy chicken marsala is up there as one of our hit dishes and it’s sure to be a big win with the whole family.
Top tip: to thicken your sauce and have the perfect consistency add flour to the mixture.
15. Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies
One-pan dishes are up there as one of the best inventions, and this roasted veggie and gnocchi dish certainly doesn’t disappoint.
This dish is packed full of ingredients you can chuck in the oven and cook in a speedy 20 minutes.
16. Spaghetti Bolognese
The timeless recipe. There is nothing more homely than spaghetti bolognese with its rich sauce packed full of meaty goodness.
If you have to try one dish, let it be this one. It’s never one to disappoint and you always need a spaghetti recipe for the kitchen.
17. Stuffed Shells
Nothing screams Italian more than cheese and this recipe is brimmed full of four delicious types.
But don’t be fooled. While short on ingredients, the spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning bring this recipe to life and will be sure to have your mouth exploding with flavor.
18. Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Short for time? This less than 20-minute dish will be another winner for those quick mealtimes.
This dish is packed full of bold flavors; you’ve got the buttery flavor of the pan-fried salmon mixed with the rich and creamy garlic butter spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
19. Lasagna Soup
If you crave lasagna but don’t have time to chuck together the dish, this lasagna soup is the next best thing. Full of delicious beef, sausage, spinach, and three cheeses.
Like lasagna, this soup is perfectly paired with garlic bread.
20. Easy Marinara Sauce
Make your favorite pasta taste exceptional with this simple marinara sauce. All you need is canned tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and to simmer it for 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and delicious.
If you like to mix things up you can add other vegetables or your favorite meat.
21. Easy Shrimp Alfredo
Smothered in garlic sauce this dish is bursting with flavor.
Combine shrimp with fettuccine pasta, butter, cream cheese, cream, chicken broth, garlic, and parmesan, a simple but delicious combo.
If seafood isn’t your style, this recipe pairs perfectly with chicken or served alone with gnocchi.
22. Better Than Olive Garden Breadsticks
When you imagine Italy, it’s common to have thoughts of pizza and pasta, but another big, delicious part of the Italian culture is their incredible breadsticks, and this recipe is going to teach you just how to make your own.
23. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Missing that creamy Tuscan chicken dish you had on your recent trip to Italy. Worry no more; we’ve got the perfect replacement for you.
Coat your chicken in paprika, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for immense flavor.
Enjoy with pasta, rice, or serve solo.
24. Easy Tiramisu
It’s time for a sweet treat and the only answer is tiramisu.
This recipe is bursting with sweet mascarpone and coffee flavors and is so simple to make. All you need is lady fingers, mascarpone, coffee, heavy whipped cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder.
Nothing could be tastier.
