Italian cuisine, homemade? Yes, it’s possible! With these 17 easy-to-follow recipes, anyone can plate up meals that look and taste like they took hours of delicate Italian expertise. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Just a few basics, a dash of charm, and you’ve got yourself dishes that’ll make everyone ask where you ordered from. Give it a try and keep that “secret ingredient” under wraps—no one will believe you whipped these up at home.
Baked Pesto Salmon
Take seafood to the next level with Baked Pesto Salmon, a dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in an easy-to-make recipe. The blend of creamy and fresh notes gives this meal a gourmet flair. The simplicity here is key; you don’t need fancy skills to bring out big flavors. It’s an effortless way to enjoy something that looks—and tastes—like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Inspired by Maggiano’s, Sausage & Peppers brings together smoky flavors with a bit of heat, creating a restaurant-worthy meal. This dish offers a balance of bold and fresh that’s easy to achieve at home. Serve it at your next gathering, and it’ll be the highlight of the table. With just a few simple steps, it transforms into an Italian classic everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Bring the comfort of a cozy Italian restaurant right into your kitchen with Zuppa Toscana Soup. This rich, hearty dish combines creamy textures and robust flavors, perfect for any chilly day or evening. With every spoonful, you’ll feel like a true Italian chef crafted it for you. It’s one of those meals that fills you up, warms you from within, and has everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
For an authentic Italian experience, Bolognese Sauce is a must-try, with a rich, deep flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. This classic sauce is perfect for pasta night, bringing a sense of comfort and warmth to the table. It’s a taste of true Italian cooking that feels fancy but is easy to make at home. A recipe that’ll have you coming back for more, every time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Bring a bit of Italy home with the Rigatoni Alla Vodka inspired by Il Fornaio’s famous recipe. This dish is creamy, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The vodka sauce is rich and smooth, giving the pasta a gourmet touch that’ll have you thinking you’re eating out. It’s a surefire way to bring a special twist to your typical pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
It’s the meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a fantastic choice for grilling season, offering a twist on traditional bruschetta with added heartiness. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor gatherings, it’s a dish that combines classic Italian elements in a fresh, new way. No need to settle for plain grilled chicken when this option is just as easy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Polenta with Mascarpone
A dish like this might look complex, but it’s all about simple flavors done right. Polenta with Mascarpone is a creamy, satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything, or stands alone as a hearty side. Rich and comforting, it’s the kind of Italian recipe that feels special and unique. It’s easy to prepare yet brings a luxurious texture to the table that’ll impress guests and family alike.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Pizza Pasta Salad
Combining the best of pizza and pasta, Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun, satisfying dish that fits perfectly at picnics or potlucks. With its blend of flavors, this salad is as enjoyable to eat as it is easy to make. A fresh twist on classic Italian comfort, it’s perfect for anyone who loves the idea of pasta and pizza in one. This dish is bound to be a crowd favorite, especially with pizza lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
The flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, thinking it took much longer to make than it really did. Oven Roasted Tomato Soup brings a cozy, homemade warmth that’s perfect for any chilly day. With a depth of flavor that feels like it’s been slowly simmered, this soup is rich without being overly complex. It’s a simple dish that makes you feel like you’re in an Italian kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Skip the takeout and bring the classic Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce to your kitchen with this homemade version that tastes just like the real thing. This rich, creamy sauce will make you feel like you’re dining out, even if you’re just serving it over pasta at home. It’s incredibly simple, yet adds a decadent touch to any meal. Prepare to be asked if you secretly ordered in.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Perfect for serving up big flavors with minimal effort, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Grilled Sausage & Peppers is a dish that packs bold flavors and pairs perfectly with a relaxed weekend gathering. The smoky, hearty taste of sausage complements the freshness of peppers, giving you a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home. Ideal for grilling season, this dish is both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Fresh and bursting with flavor, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is an ideal way to enjoy Italian flavors with minimal prep. It’s a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal, but it still feels indulgent. The flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes give it that just-picked taste, and it’s a great way to bring some sunshine to the table. This pasta dish is easy, vibrant, and full of life.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Experience Italy on a sandwich with Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich—a warm, savory meal that brings classic Caprese ingredients into handheld form. Perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner, it feels both substantial and elegant. This dish combines fresh and hearty in a way that satisfies any craving for Italian flavors. It’s a quick way to add some restaurant style to an everyday sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
For a side dish that’s simple yet rich, Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone combines earthy flavors with a creamy texture. It’s an easy way to add a touch of Italian flair to your meal without fuss. This roasted asparagus dish offers a unique twist that makes vegetables feel more indulgent. Perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful, it’s a dish that turns a side into a star.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Bring the flavors of Italy right to your table with a Tomato Bruschetta Board that’s perfect for sharing. This dish combines classic bruschetta with a fun presentation, ideal for gatherings or casual get-togethers. It’s all about fresh flavors and Italian simplicity, making it a great way to start any meal. Beautiful and easy to make, it brings a touch of Italian charm with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
A side dish that could easily steal the spotlight, it’s a true treat for anyone who loves Italian-inspired flavors. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone takes a classic side and gives it a rich, creamy twist that’s incredibly satisfying. This dish is perfect for pairing with any main and brings out flavors that feel both indulgent and comforting. It’s simple to make but adds a touch of luxury to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Classic Caprese Salad
Every bite is fresh and satisfying, making it the perfect way to impress with minimal effort. Classic Caprese Salad takes simple ingredients and turns them into a work of art, showcasing fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for a summer meal or appetizer, it brings a taste of Italy to any table with just a few key elements. This dish looks restaurant-ready but is incredibly easy to create at home.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad