Italian cuisine, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, has captivated food lovers worldwide for generations. This collection of 21 Italian Recipes invites you to explore the diverse tastes of Italy, from classic pasta dishes to regional specialties. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes offer something for everyone, showcasing the simplicity and quality of ingredients that define Italian cooking. From hearty lasagna to light and refreshing Panzanella salad, this curated selection will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany and the bustling streets of Rome. Let’s embark on a culinary journey through Italy’s most beloved dishes.
Italian Grinder Sandwich
This Italian Grinder recipe is mouthwatering and incredibly easy to make. And it’s not your average sandwich – it’s on a whole loaf of round white mountain bread filled with Italian deli meat goodness! You’ve got layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and a crunchy salad all sandwiched between garlic-butter-toasted bread. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a midnight snack. Yum!
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Sandwich
Giardiniera
Ah, Chicago Style Giardiniera, the beloved Italian inspired condiment that took the Windy City by storm! This pickled veggie recipe is the perfect combo of tangy, spicy, and slightly sour flavors that can liven up so many dishes. As a Chicago native, I think it’s the ultimate culinary superhero that saves your sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more from being boring and bland. It even takes great on my mojo roasted pork shoulder!
Get the Recipe: Giardiniera
Pepperoni Lasagna
This unusual recipe combines the delicious appeal of pepperoni pizza with the timeless charm of lasagna, and the resulting Pepperoni Lasagna boasts so much incredible flavor. It’s hearty, meaty, cheesy, and delicious. The whole family is going to love this tasty blend of lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, cheese, herbs and seasonings, and pepperoni.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Lasagna
Easy Panzanella Salad
This Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe makes a colorful and wonderful side dish or a main dish that’s a little on the lighter side. Panzanella, or “Tuscan Bread Salad,” as some people call it, is an Italian salad made from dried or stale bread. The bread is cut into 1-inch cubes or made into croutons. It also features fresh tomatoes and sliced onions tossed in an olive oil vinaigrette dressing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Panzanella Salad
One Pan Caprese Chicken
This One Pan Caprese Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and makes my kitchen smell incredibly delicious. And it’s all done with just one pan! Enjoy this recipe on its own or pair with your favorite sides like pasta or roasted vegetables. It’s guaranteed to impress!
Get the Recipe: One Pan Caprese Chicken
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni Arrabbiata is the perfect blend of spice and hearty flavor. A classic Italian pasta dish, it features dried red chilis simmered in sweet San Marzano tomatoes. It’s easy to make and you can adjust the spiciness to your taste!
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Authentic Italian Stromboli
A fun and easy authentic Italian Stromboli recipe! This recipe has yummy ingredients like thinly sliced salami, pepperoni, capicola, and a blend of Italian cheeses. It’s a family favorite and will remind you of your favorite local pizzeria.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Italian Stromboli
Baked Veal Saltimbocca Meatballs in Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Veal Saltimbocca is one of Cooking with Wine Blog’s favorite Italian recipes for veal dishes and they thought it would be a great candidate for a meatball. And bingo! These delicious meatballs are packed with flavor and they definitely “jump into your mouth!” They’re simple, quick to make, and can be used in a variety of ways.
Get the Recipe: Baked Veal Saltimbocca Meatballs in Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Panna Cotta
A delicious take on a classic Italian dessert, this vegan Panna Cotta is creamy, light and easy to make. This dairy-free molded pudding is perfect paired with a homemade sweet strawberry coulis. The ultimate crowd pleaser for your dinner party!
Get the Recipe: Panna Cotta
Chicken Parmesan Subs
A Chicken Parm Sub makes a delicious lunch or dinner and this recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare. The chicken is juicy, the parmesan adds a creamy, tangy flavor and the marinara sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning add a distinct taste of Italy to these special chicken parmesan subs. You can have these delicious sandwiches on the table in just half an hour and enjoy them while they’re hot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Subs
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
If you’re looking for an Italian appetizer recipe that’s fresh, tasty, and easy to make, this Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto might be perfect for you! It’s a delicious combination of fresh and juicy heirloom tomatoes, tangy olives, aromatic basil leaves, and fresh pesto. Serve it with crispy garlic toast on the side, and you have a gourmet dish that’s incredibly easy to put together. This dish is a rustic, luscious, and budget-friendly delight! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a light and flavorful meal, burrata with tomatoes and pesto is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka
This gorgeous one-pot Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka is one of By The Forkful’s new go-to simple, easy, and deliciously creamy vegetarian dinners. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, contains just nine ingredients, and requires just one pan to make!
Get the Recipe: Baked Gnocchi Alla Vodka
Italian Sausage Calzones
Easy homemade Calzones with tangy goat cheese, fresh basil, and Italian sausage (no ricotta!) Make four individual calzones, or 1-2 large ones to slice and share on pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Calzones
Instant Pot Italian Chicken Penne Pasta
You’re going to love the flavor and taste of this Italian Chicken Penne Pasta! Not only is it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s a great way to make cooked pasta with tender chicken that everyone in the family will love! This is literally the perfect family dinner – and such an easy recipe to do.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Italian Chicken Penne Pasta
Italian Raspberry Gelato
This Italian Raspberry Gelato recipe is the latest result of my ongoing obsession with crafting frozen treats at home. It is fruity and tangy with rich cream notes but not too heavy, just like well-crafted gelato should be. This is the one recipe if you’re looking for an easy and impressive addition to your ice cream maker recipe repertoire!
Get the Recipe: Italian Raspberry Gelato
Cold Italian Green Bean Salad
This Cold Italian Green Bean Salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings. The combination of green beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, and pungent red onions creates a satisfying flavour and texture profile. The addition of garlic, parsley, and mixed dried herbs infuses the salad with a zesty and herbaceous aroma. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, complements the fresh vegetables perfectly and adds a touch of tanginess too. This side dish is easy to make, and it’s an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cold Italian Green Bean Salad
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner full of fresh tomatoes, basil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and topped with seasoned chicken!!
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Italian Meatloaf
This hearty Italian Meatloaf recipe is easy to make and features tons of bold flavors! With ingredients like Italian seasoning, red wine, Worcestershire sauce and marinara sauce, this homemade lasagna recipe is anything but bland.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf
Italian Roasted Potatoes
Red potatoes tossed with simple ingredients and roasted for a rustic and versatile side dish. Easy, budget-friendly, and goes with just about everything!
Get the Recipe: Italian Roasted Potatoes
Spicy Calabrian Chili Alfredo Sauce with Trottole Pasta
This dish is a dream for spicy cream sauce lovers! Cooking with Wine Blog wanted to make something that had the elements of an American-style creamy Alfredo sauce with some classic spicy Italian peppers added for flavor and heat. But most of all, they wanted something easy that could be made quickly on any weekday night. This Spicy Calabrian Chili Alfredo Sauce with Trottole Pasta is an absolute winner of a recipe!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Calabrian Chili Alfredo Sauce with Trottole Pasta
Cast Iron Chicken Parm
This Cast Iron Chicken Parm is on regular rotation in our house; it’s one of my go-to easy recipes for busy weeknights. Breaded chicken breasts are pan-fried on the stove top until crisp and then get covered in pasta sauce and fresh mozzarella. My favorite things about this chicken parmesan recipe are that it’s made in one cast iron pan (hello, minimal cleanup!), and it’s a dinner and it’s a dinner my family members love!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Parm
