Think you’ve tried it all when it comes to Italian food? Think again! These 19 fresh and authentic Italian dishes you need to try to take you on a culinary adventure you didn’t know you needed. This isn’t just about pizza and pasta. Expect surprises that challenge your taste buds and make you rethink what Italian food can be. It’s time to step up your food game and impress your palate with something fresh and new.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
With its creamy texture and satisfying bite, this soup is bound to be a new favorite. Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty base with pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken. This soup has a great balance of flavors, making it perfect for a cozy meal. It’s an easy way to warm up on a chilly night, and its richness will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Want to try something unique? Shrimp Scampi Pizza puts a twist on the classic pizza, bringing shrimp scampi’s bold flavors into a new format. The combination of pizza and seafood creates a satisfying meal that’s a little unexpected but totally delicious. It’s an easy way to enjoy shrimp in a fresh, fun way. Perfect for when you want pizza, but you’re in the mood for something different.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
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Buy Now!Italian Chicken
This recipe offers a satisfying way to enjoy chicken, with the added benefit of being both hearty and flavorful. Italian Chicken is the kind of dish that never disappoints. It’s easy to prepare, and the flavors are bold, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish for guests. Serve it with a side salad or over pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Pesto Orzo Salad
Whether you’re enjoying a summer day or need a potluck dish, this salad is a solid choice. Pesto Orzo Salad is a refreshing, light dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The orzo offers a great texture, while the pesto ties everything together with its fresh, herb-infused flavor. This salad is great as a side or a main dish, especially when you want something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
One bowl and you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite. Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting, flavorful bowl of soup that hits all the right notes. This hearty dish combines tender chicken with a savory broth, creating a soup that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s the kind of meal that can be a full meal or a lighter option before a main course.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
A great choice for when you’re craving something different from the usual pizza options. Ham & Asparagus Pizza is an interesting twist on traditional pizza, offering a mix of savory and fresh flavors. The combination of ham and asparagus makes for a light, yet satisfying topping that works well on any pizza crust. The unexpected pairing creates a pizza that’s both delicious and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Zuppa Toscana Soup
A hearty, comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup is perfect for cooler days. This dish brings together layers of flavors, with a rich broth that’s both creamy and satisfying. The combination of vegetables and tender protein creates a filling meal that’s as warming as it is tasty. Whether served as a starter or main, it’s the kind of soup you’ll want to return to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
If you’ve had Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers, you know it’s a dish packed with flavor. Sausage and peppers are a classic combo, but this recipe takes it to the next level with its perfectly balanced seasoning and satisfying texture. It’s easy to make and great for meal prepping or serving at a party. The rich flavors make it a dish everyone will want to eat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala
If you’re in the mood for something creamy yet low-carb, Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala is just what you need. The sauce is rich and velvety, making the chicken incredibly tender while maintaining a bold flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but won’t break your diet. Perfect for those who want a comforting dinner that won’t leave them feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Serve it up for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is a fan-favorite pasta dish that delivers a rich, creamy sauce with a kick. The vodka adds a depth of flavor that’s unlike any other pasta sauce, creating a perfect balance with the rigatoni. It’s hearty, filling, and a great choice for pasta lovers who want to enjoy restaurant-style food at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
You can’t go wrong with Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, a dish that brings all the best flavors together. The grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy toppings for a satisfying meal. This dish strikes the right balance between savory and fresh, making it great for a summer dinner or a casual gathering. It’s light enough for a quick meal but bold enough to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
If you love the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden, Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce brings that flavor to your kitchen. It’s the perfect pairing for pasta, but it can also be used as a base for many other dishes. With this homemade version, you get all the indulgent taste without the wait at the restaurant. It’s so easy to make that you’ll be wondering why you ever bought it pre-made.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting but not overly heavy. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich takes the classic Caprese flavors and puts them between two slices of bread for an easy, delicious meal. It’s a satisfying combination of grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella, all wrapped up in a crispy sandwich. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Grilled Sausage & Peppers
There’s something unbeatable about the smoky flavors in Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Grilled to perfection, this dish is full of robust flavors and a satisfying combination of meat and veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a casual dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The outdoor grill gives the sausage a nice char, adding extra depth to the overall flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Baked Pesto Salmon
Looking for a fresh twist on salmon? Try Baked Pesto Salmon for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s anything but basic. The pesto adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, making the fish a perfect choice for both dinner parties or a weeknight meal. It’s a quick, easy dish that feels special, without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a great option when you want something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is a comforting and filling soup that combines the best of Italian flavors. The tender chicken and hearty tortellini create a satisfying base, while the kale adds a fresh, earthy note. This soup is perfect for a cold day when you need something hearty but not too heavy. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Its tanginess and creamy texture balance each other perfectly, making it a versatile dressing you’ll want to keep on hand. Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette adds a tangy twist to any salad, offering a creamy texture that’s smooth yet bold. It’s a great way to take any greens from basic to something special. A drizzle of this vinaigrette turns a simple salad into a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
A simple yet satisfying dish, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is perfect when you want something light but filling. The creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes combine for a deliciously comforting meal without feeling too heavy. It’s great for a quick dinner or a casual get-together. With just a few ingredients, you get a dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Classic Caprese Salad
Light and refreshing, Classic Caprese Salad is an easy way to enjoy the simple pleasures of Italian cuisine. It’s the perfect balance of fresh ingredients, offering a clean taste that feels like summer on a plate. This salad is more than just a side dish; it can stand on its own for a light meal. With each bite, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and freshness that make it such a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad