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17 Italian Recipes That Don’t Take All Day To Prepare

Busy weekdays don’t mean you have to compromise on enjoying a warm, comforting Italian meal. These time-saving recipes are here to rescue you from the takeout menu and bring a little European flair to your dining table. Whether it’s a speedy lasagna or a quick-to-make carbonara, you won’t believe how fast you can create a meal that feels like you’ve been cooking all day. Perfect for the nights when you need to get dinner done fast but still want something that hits the spot. It’s like having an Italian nonna who respects your busy schedule.

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When looking for an easy and impressive dish, Classic Shrimp Scampi pulls it off effortlessly. Simmering shrimp in garlic, butter, and white wine offers rich flavor without the lengthy cooking time. Perfect for busy fall evenings, it pairs well with a warm loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s so quick, you’ll have time to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. This recipe adds a touch of elegance to any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Chicken Cacciatore

A white dish filled with pieces of Chicken Cacciatore in a red sauce, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Seeking a hearty yet simple dinner, Chicken Cacciatore hits the mark. Braised chicken combined with tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs makes for a comforting fall meal. This recipe reduces prep time while delivering a robust dish perfect for crisp evenings. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete, pleasurable meal. Quick to make, it feels like a classic weekend dinner on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This creamy Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka quickly brings restaurant-quality pasta to your table. Vodka sauce blended with tomatoes and cream creates a rich, pleasurable base for rigatoni. This recipe requires minimal effort but yields an unforgettable dish. Fall evenings become cozier with this hearty, quick-to-prepare meal. Easy yet elegant, it brings Italian comfort food home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

A bowl of oven-roasted tomato soup with two spoons.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a warm, autumnal dish, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup offers a perfect solution. The rich flavors come from slow-roasting tomatoes, blending them into a velvety soup. This dish is ideal for those chilly fall nights when you crave something comforting and quick. A simple yet incredibly flavorful bowl, it’s great for dipping with crusty bread. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect addition to your fall recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is a fantastic option for a delicious, no-fuss meal. Sweet Italian sausages combined with colorful bell peppers create a visually appealing and delicious dish. This recipe’s quick prep time makes it great for any busy fall evening. Serve it over a bed of polenta or with your favorite bread to complete the meal. A quick, hearty, and flavorful option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those craving a creamy side dish, Polenta with Mascarpone is perfect. The blend of polenta and mascarpone creates a smooth, rich dish in minutes. Ideal for fall, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or vegetables. Quickly cooking, it’s a great way to upgrade your everyday meals. This dish brings a luscious depth to your autumn table without an all-day commitment.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seeking a tangy, delicious dish, Chicken Piccata fits the bill. Lightly breaded chicken breasts simmered in a lemony caper sauce bring bold flavor with minimal prep. This recipe suits any fall evening, offering a fresh yet warm meal. Serve it with pasta or a simple green salad for a balanced dinner. Quick and flavorful, it’s a winning addition to your weeknight repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a fresh, quick fall dish? Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is your answer. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor in this simple sauce, perfect for any pasta type. The brief cooking time lets you enjoy more and cook less. Pair it with a sprinkle of parmesan for an easy, fulfilling meal. This effortless recipe brings a touch of garden freshness to your kitchen, even in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a cheesy delight, Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells satisfy without hours in the kitchen. These pasta shells filled with creamy cheese and baked until bubbly provide comfort on cool fall nights. Quick to assemble and bake, they make for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Perfect for busy evenings when you need a warm, indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a quick appetizer, Tomato Bruschetta Board is your go-to option. Fresh tomatoes on toasted bread bring vibrant flavors perfect for fall gatherings. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for impromptu get-togethers. Arrange it with various toppings for a fun, interactive serving experience. Effortless yet impressive, it’s a hit on any autumn occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple and straightforward, Italian Chicken offers a delicious meal without much fuss. Seasoned chicken breasts are baked to perfection, delivering a tender and flavorful result. Perfect for fall evenings, this recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of pasta. It’s a quick, wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and fulfilling. Ideal for when you need dinner on the table fast without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a pizza night twist, Shrimp Scampi Pizza is a fantastic option. Combining the flavors of shrimp scampi with a crispy pizza crust, this dish is unique and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for fall nights when pizza cravings hit but you want something different. The quick assembly and baking time make it an ideal weeknight meal. It’s a lovely way to enjoy two favorites in one simple dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

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 the perfect comfort food on chilly fall nights. This Italian classic combines pasta and beans in a hearty broth that warms you up in no time. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Pair it with some crusty bread for a fulfilling dinner. A wholesome bowl that brings the essence of Italian comfort to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a bold twist on pizza, Birria Pizza offers a flavorful experience. Combining the rich, spicy flavors of birria with a crispy pizza crust, this dish is unique and quick to make. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters on a cozy fall night. The quick assembly and baking time make it an ideal weeknight option. It’s a fusion dish that brings excitement to your table without the lengthy cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a fantastic fall evening, Chicken Gnocchi Soup provides warmth and comfort. This creamy soup features tender gnocchi and chicken pieces, making it a hearty meal. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a nourishing dinner fast. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread. This soup is a fulfilling, quick option for an autumn night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a light yet pleasurable dinner, Ham & Asparagus Pizza fits the bill. Combining ham and fresh asparagus on a crispy pizza crust offers a unique flavor profile. It’s perfect for fall nights when you want something easy and different. The quick preparation and cooking time make it ideal for weeknights. It’s a fun way to enjoy a nutritious and simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is an excellent choice for tasting a restaurant favorite at home. The creamy Alfredo sauce paired with tender shrimp makes for a delicious dinner. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for fall evenings when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It is a perfect way to enjoy a comforting dish any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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