Let’s be honest—jarred sauce was never the real deal, and these 15 Italian recipes are here to prove it. With bold flavors and easy steps, these dishes will have you rethinking your pasta routine. Forget about canned anything; these homemade meals are packed with the kind of flavor that jarred sauce can only dream of. Time to kick that jar to the curb and cook like a pro.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Who says you need a spoonful of something meaty to feel satisfied? Give a pot of Pasta e Fagioli Soup a try, and you might find yourself surprised at how hearty beans and pasta can be when combined smartly. This rustic soup draws its origins from Italian peasant cooking, showing you don’t need much to whip up something incredibly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Shrimp Scampi Pizza breaks the monotony of traditional pizza toppings with a splash of the ocean’s bounty. Shrimp brings a subtly sweet and tender contrast to the sharper flavors usually found atop pizzas. It’s an unexpected twist that marries well with the robust, bold base—quite the catch for anyone looking to step out of their pizza comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Italian Chicken
Forget what you know about boring chicken dishes; Italian Chicken is here to change the game. Cooked to perfection, this dish embodies the spirit of Italian cooking with a focus on quality and simplicity. The chicken comes out incredibly juicy and pairs beautifully with sides that embrace the same Italian flair. It’s a complete meal that promises to make weekday dinners feel like a weekend feast.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Tortellini Soup with Sausage
On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Sausage to warm you up from the inside out. This dish seamlessly combines plump, cheese-filled tortellini and tasty sausage, swimming together in a delicious soup base. Every spoonful is packed with flavor, ensuring no two bites are the same. It’s a satisfying meal that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pesto Orzo Salad
If you’re in the mood for something light yet fulfilling, Pesto Orzo Salad should be on your radar. This salad tosses together orzo pasta with a fresh, vibrant pesto sauce, creating a dish that feels both refreshing and substantial. Ideal for picnics or as a side dish at your next barbecue, it’s versatile and can stand alone or complement heavier dishes. It’s quick to put together but stands out in flavor and presentation.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
When the weather begs for a comforting meal, Chicken Gnocchi Soup steps up as a soothing answer. This soup pairs soft, pillowy gnocchi with tender pieces of chicken, all drenched in a creamy soup base that’s just thick enough to coat your spoon. It’s like getting a warm hug in the form of a meal, perfect for those nights when you need an extra bit of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Ham & Asparagus Pizza is a standout choice for anyone looking to combine classic ingredients in a novel way on their pizza. The distinct flavors of ham and asparagus offer a delicious contrast – salty meets fresh, and each component maintains its unique taste and texture. This pizza is ideal for gatherings, or whenever you can get your hands on some fresh asparagus.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Transform your salads with a pour of Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette and witness a simple dish become a standout meal. This dressing combines the bold tang of balsamic vinegar with a creamy texture that clings perfectly to every leaf and ingredient. It’s not just for salads; drizzle it over steamed vegetables or grilled chicken for an instant flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Upgrade your side dish game with Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. This pairing brings together the earthiness of asparagus with the rich, creamy texture of mascarpone. Roasting the asparagus intensifies its natural flavors, making it a perfect match for the subtle sweetness of the cheese. It’s an elegant side that’s effortless yet impressive, suitable for a regular weeknight or a festive holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Birria Pizza
Fusion cooking brings exciting surprises, and Birria Pizza is a testament to that. This dish takes the traditional Mexican stew and introduces it to the Italian pizza, creating a cross-cultural culinary delight. The slow-cooked flavors of the birria make a rich, deep topping for the crisp pizza base. It’s a bold move that pays off, offering a pizza experience unlike any other.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Tomato Bruschetta Board
There’s something timeless about Tomato Bruschetta Board, a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to please. This dish is all about freshness and simplicity, featuring ripe tomatoes on crusty bread, topped with just the right herbs and oils. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic starter for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
For cheese lovers, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are a dream come true. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a blend of cheeses, baked until everything is deliciously melty and golden on top. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just gratifying a serious cheese craving at home. There’s something profoundly comforting about digging into a dish like this.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Sometimes all a side dish needs to shine is a touch of creativity, and Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone offers just that. The addition of mascarpone cheese gives the spinach a luxuriously creamy texture and a flavor depth that’s hard to beat. It makes a sublime companion to any main dish, providing a creamy, comforting counterpoint.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Chicken Piccata
If you’re looking to brighten up dinner with something quick and full of flavor, Chicken Piccata might just be your answer. This dish features pan-fried chicken cutlets, enriched with a lively, lemony sauce that captures the essence of Italian cooking. What’s more, it pairs beautifully with just about any side, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Ideal for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Imagine sitting down to a plate of Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and experiencing that first, flavorful bite. These aren’t your average meatballs; the infusion of ricotta gives them a soft, moist texture that blends seamlessly with the rich tomato sauce. It’s a comfort food classic redefined, perfect for a family dinner or feeding a large crowd.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce