Italian cooking isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about making food that works every single time. These 35 recipes cover the essentials—comforting classics, no-fail pasta dishes, and hearty mains that keep people coming back to the table. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a regular Tuesday night, these are the meals that get passed down, not just talked about. And if anyone asks for measurements? Nonna would say, “Enough until it tastes right.”
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
No fancy techniques, just a soup that feels like home with every spoonful. Pasta e Fagioli Soup is the kind of meal that’s been passed down through generations for a reason. Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, it turns simple ingredients into something special. The pasta and beans soak up a broth that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights. One bowl in, and you’ll see why it’s a classic.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
A slow-cooked, meaty sauce that’s been perfected over generations, Authentic Bolognese Sauce is the real deal. Rich, hearty, and layered with deep flavors, it clings to pasta like it was meant to be there. This isn’t a quick weeknight meal—it’s the kind of dish that rewards patience. Every bite reminds you why some recipes stand the test of time. Whether spooned over fresh pasta or eaten straight from the pot, this one never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup feels like a warm hug, but one that also fills you up. Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up a broth that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Every spoonful has a little bit of everything, making it a meal all on its own. It’s the kind of soup that doesn’t need an occasion—just a spoon and an appetite. One bowl is never enough, so plan accordingly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Pizza night just got an upgrade with Ham & Asparagus Pizza. The salty richness of ham meets the fresh bite of asparagus, creating a perfect contrast. Everything comes together on a crisp, golden crust that holds up to every bite. It’s not your usual topping combination, but that’s exactly why it works. Try it once, and you’ll wonder why this hasn’t been the go-to all along.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Pesto Orzo Salad
Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, Pesto Orzo Salad is proof that pasta doesn’t need to be heavy. Every bite has a bright, herby kick that keeps things interesting. It’s perfect on its own or as a side that easily steals the spotlight. This is the kind of dish that disappears fast at cookouts and potlucks. Make extra—you’ll be glad you did.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Italian Chicken
If there’s one thing Italian cooking does right, it’s making simple ingredients taste incredible, and Italian Chicken is proof. Juicy, well-seasoned, and packed with bold flavors, this dish doesn’t need anything fancy to stand out. It’s a go-to for busy nights but tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. Serve it up with pasta, salad, or just eat it right off the plate. Either way, it’s a meal that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
There’s nothing traditional about this one, but that’s what makes it work. Shrimp Scampi Pizza takes everything great about a seafood classic and puts it on a crisp, golden crust. The rich sauce and garlicky shrimp don’t just sit on top—they blend into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that sounds fancy but is all about straightforward, satisfying flavors. No need for a fork and knife, just grab a slice and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Chicken Piccata
Bright, bold, and perfectly balanced, Chicken Piccata turns a simple chicken dish into something special. The tangy, rich sauce keeps things interesting without overpowering the tender meat. It’s light enough to enjoy any night but flavorful enough to feel like a treat. Every bite has just the right amount of punch, making it hard to stop at one serving. If leftovers exist, they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
There’s nothing complicated about Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce, but it delivers big. Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up every bit of the rich, tangy sauce. The balance of citrus and cheese makes each bite bright and comforting at the same time. It’s proof that a handful of good ingredients can go a long way. No extra toppings, no unnecessary steps—just a dish that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Birria Pizza
The rich, slow-cooked flavors of birria meet crispy, golden crust in Birria Pizza. Every bite is loaded with deep, savory goodness that feels like a mash-up of the best comfort foods. The sauce seeps into the dough just enough, while the toppings bring the perfect amount of texture and bite. This isn’t just another pizza—it’s one that demands attention. Once you try it, regular pizza might start feeling a little too simple.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dressing doesn’t just belong on salad, and Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette proves it. This smooth, tangy blend brings out the best in everything from crisp greens to grilled meats. The balance of flavors makes every bite better without overpowering anything on the plate. It’s the kind of dressing that makes people ask, “What’s in this?” but the answer is just good ingredients doing their job. Keep a jar on hand because once it’s gone, you’ll miss it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
A bowl of Oven Roasted Tomato Soup is proof that simple ingredients can go a long way. Slow-roasted tomatoes give it a deep, rich flavor that’s nothing like the stuff from a can. It’s smooth, full-bodied, and made for dunking crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese. No extra toppings or distractions—just a classic done the right way. One sip and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything else.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Nothing beats a fresh sauce, and Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce keeps it simple. Bursting tomatoes create their own light, flavorful coating for every strand of pasta. No heavy creams or complicated steps—just a dish that tastes like it was made at the perfect time of year. It’s bright, balanced, and comes together in the time it takes to boil water. When in doubt, this is the kind of meal that always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Comfort food meets a little bit of green in Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Chewy tortellini soak up a broth that’s rich, warming, and packed with just enough heartiness to be a full meal. The mix of textures keeps things interesting, while the flavors pull everything together. It’s the kind of soup that works for a lazy weekend or a quick weeknight fix. No fuss, no extra steps—just a bowl of something really good.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Classic Shrimp Scampi
There’s a reason Classic Shrimp Scampi never goes out of style. The sauce is light but packed with flavor, and the shrimp soak up every bit of it. A plate of this feels fancy, but it’s all about simple, straightforward cooking. Serve it over pasta or with a side of bread to make sure nothing goes to waste. One bite in, and you’ll get why this dish is a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Tomato Bruschetta
Crunchy, fresh, and full of bold flavors, Tomato Bruschetta is what happens when simple ingredients do their job. The tomatoes bring a burst of brightness, while the bread holds everything together with the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of appetizer that people keep reaching for without realizing how many they’ve eaten. Light enough to start a meal, but flavorful enough to stand on its own. Once it hits the table, it won’t be there for long.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta
Pizza Pasta Salad
When pizza and pasta come together, you get Pizza Pasta Salad—a dish that’s fun, easy, and impossible to ignore. Every bite is loaded with big flavors, bold textures, and just the right amount of crunch. It’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or just a meal that needs to be made ahead of time. No need to reheat, no complicated steps—just a bowl of something really good. Make extra because it goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
If comfort had a flavor, it would be Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. The broth is rich and layered, packed with just the right amount of heartiness. Every spoonful feels like something straight from a family kitchen, warm and satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that works for cold nights, sick days, or any time a big bowl of something good is needed. A second helping is pretty much guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone hits the table, it disappears fast. The roasted asparagus brings a deep, rich flavor, while the mascarpone adds just enough creaminess to make each bite feel indulgent. It’s a simple side dish that somehow steals the spotlight from whatever else is on the plate. Perfect for busy nights or fancy dinners without the effort. If vegetables always tasted like this, no one would complain about eating them.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Big flavors, simple ingredients, and just the right amount of garlic—that’s what makes Garlic Shrimp Scampi a staple. The sauce coats every bite without being too heavy, and the shrimp brings the perfect balance of richness and bite. Whether served over pasta or with crusty bread, this dish never disappoints. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a regular weeknight. Just don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Everything good happens in one pan with Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. The gnocchi turns golden and crisp, soaking up all the bold, hearty flavors from the sausage and greens. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t need extra sides to feel satisfying. Each bite balances richness with just the right amount of bite and texture. No extra steps, no unnecessary fuss—just food that makes sense.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is the kind of meal that fills the house with incredible smells before it even hits the table. The slow-simmered sauce makes every bite deep, rich, and satisfying. This isn’t a rushed meal—it’s one that rewards patience with big, comforting flavors. Perfect for family dinners or just when something hearty is needed. Serve it up, grab a fork, and let the sauce do the talking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Big, bold flavors come together in Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. The sausage is rich and hearty, while the peppers bring just the right amount of sweetness and bite. Everything cooks down into a sauce that coats every bite with a deep, comforting flavor. It’s the kind of dish that works on its own, over pasta, or stuffed into a crusty roll. However it’s served, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is what happens when fresh, simple ingredients come together the right way. Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with bright, bold flavors stacked inside a warm roll. Every bite has a balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh, making it a sandwich worth craving. It’s easy enough for lunch but satisfying enough for dinner. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this combination never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
If comfort had a pasta dish, it would be Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. The rich, creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the shrimp bring just the right amount of bite. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, making every forkful feel like a treat. No need to head to the restaurant when this version brings all the same flavors straight to the table. One plate in, and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, Grilled Sausage & Peppers is a classic for a reason. The sausage gets a perfect char, while the peppers bring just the right balance of sweetness and bite. Whether stuffed in a roll, served over pasta, or eaten straight from the plate, it never disappoints. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s just as good at a backyard cookout as it is at the dinner table. No extra toppings are needed—this one stands on its own.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Rich, creamy, and smooth, Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce makes every bite of pasta better. The sauce coats each strand perfectly, delivering deep flavor without feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple. Whether poured over fettuccine, drizzled on chicken, or used as a dip, it’s a must-have for any Italian-inspired meal. Make extra—this one disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Let the slow cooker do the work while Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta delivers big, comforting flavors. The sauce soaks into the pasta, turning every bite into something rich and satisfying. This is the kind of meal that fills the house with incredible smells long before dinner is served. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just making sure there are leftovers for tomorrow. Low effort, high reward—that’s how comfort food should be.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Polenta with Mascarpone
Creamy, rich, and perfectly smooth, Polenta with Mascarpone turns a simple dish into something special. The mascarpone adds just enough richness to keep each bite interesting without being too heavy. It’s a great side dish, but honestly, it’s good enough to eat on its own. Whether paired with something bold or enjoyed as is, it never disappoints. One spoonful, and you’ll see why it’s a classic.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Light but packed with flavor, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is one of those meals that just makes sense. The fresh topping adds the perfect contrast to the smoky, juicy chicken. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner but still feels like something special. No need for extra sauces or sides—this one holds its own. A dish that works every time, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Classic Caprese Salad
Few things are as simple or as good as Classic Caprese Salad. The fresh ingredients do all the work, bringing the perfect mix of bright, creamy, and rich flavors. It’s the kind of dish that belongs at every gathering, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday. No complicated steps, no unnecessary add-ons—just a combination that always works. A salad that proves sometimes, less really is more.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Few things taste as fresh as Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. The creamy ricotta blends perfectly with the bright, juicy tomatoes, creating a sauce that’s light but satisfying. Every bite has just the right mix of richness and freshness, making this dish perfect for any time of year. It’s simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor in the best way possible. No need for complicated extras—just really good food done right.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Take everything great about classic bruschetta and turn it into something even better with Tomato Bruschetta Board. A spread of crisp bread, fresh tomatoes, and bold flavors makes this the perfect appetizer or snack. It’s the kind of dish that gets people gathered around the table, grabbing bite after bite. Whether served at a party or just as a fun weeknight treat, it never sticks around for long. Simple ingredients, big flavors, no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is all about balance—bold, rich sausage pairs with slightly bitter greens for a dish that just works. The sauce clings to every piece of pasta, bringing big flavor without being heavy. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to put together. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it always hits the mark. Once you try it, it’s going on the regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
The creamy, rich sauce in Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka clings to every piece of pasta in the best way possible. It’s smooth, bold, and packed with just the right amount of kick. The kind of dish that looks fancy but is all about straightforward, satisfying flavors. Perfect for a night in or when you just want restaurant-quality pasta without leaving the house. One bowl won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka