Get ready to see your kids clean their plates faster than a speeding pasta noodle with these 17 Italian recipes. Whether it’s a classic meal or a kid-friendly pasta, these dishes have all the flavors kids love. Best part? They’re easy enough to make that you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the chaos that comes with a happy, full family.
Chicken Cacciatore
If your kids are in the mood for something savory, Chicken Cacciatore is the answer. This dish delivers a satisfying, comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the week. The tender chicken and rich sauce make it a hearty meal that’s sure to leave everyone full and happy. Best of all, it’s simple enough to throw together without a ton of effort, making it a great choice for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
A quick cooking time means it’s also an easy choice for busy nights. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for getting your kids to eat more. The combination of sausage and peppers is a classic Italian combo that brings big flavors without overwhelming. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to more savory meals that are still approachable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta
Looking for a low-carb option that the kids will actually eat? Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s rich, creamy, and filling without all the carbs, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Plus, it’s baked, so it comes out hot and bubbly, which is always a hit with kids. This dish is simple to prepare, and you won’t have to worry about leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala
If you’re aiming for a healthy yet comforting meal, Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala offers all the richness of the original without the extra carbs. It’s a great way to switch things up from the usual pasta while still keeping dinner satisfying. The creamy sauce adds a nice touch of indulgence, but it’s still light enough that kids won’t leave the table feeling overly stuffed. Quick and easy, it’s a perfect weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
If you’re craving pasta with a bit of richness, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings that creamy, comforting touch that makes everyone want more. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for satisfying appetites without being too complicated to make. The smooth sauce pairs perfectly with the rigatoni, making it a dish that’s fun for kids to eat. Even the pickiest eaters will find it hard to resist a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
If you want to introduce your kids to a classic Italian sauce, Authentic Bolognese Sauce is the perfect choice. It’s hearty and rich, but the flavors blend together in a way that even the pickiest eaters will love. This sauce pairs well with any pasta, making it versatile and easy to customize based on what your kids prefer. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and the kids will love how fast their plates get cleaned.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
For a simple yet flavorful meal, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Grilled chicken topped with a fresh, bright bruschetta mix makes for a meal that’s both light and filling. It’s a healthy option that still packs a punch in the flavor department. The bright flavors make it a great choice for getting kids to enjoy something with a bit of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Everyone loves a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce, and Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is one your kids will devour. It’s smooth and flavorful without being too heavy, making it perfect for a simple dinner that feels special. This recipe is also perfect for picky eaters who aren’t fans of anything too bold. Serve it with pasta or veggies, and you’ll see your little ones clean their plates in no time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Pizza Pasta Salad
With a simple preparation process, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need to keep things quick and tasty. Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun, kid-approved twist on traditional pasta salads. It’s packed with familiar pizza flavors that kids already love, making it an easy choice for dinner or lunch. This dish brings together pasta, cheese, and all the goodness of a pizza, but in a salad form.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Polenta with Mascarpone
For something a little different, try Polenta with Mascarpone—a dish that combines the smooth, creamy texture of mascarpone with soft polenta for a comforting meal. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that feels indulgent but won’t overwhelm your kids. The subtle flavors make it easy to pair with a variety of main dishes, and it’s always a hit at the table. Expect the plate to be clean in no time, and you might even get asked for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
If your kids are fans of creamy pasta dishes, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite. The rich, velvety sauce coats the shrimp and pasta perfectly, making each bite irresistible. It’s a comforting meal that combines familiar flavors in a way that’s easy to love. This dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight but feels special enough for a weekend treat. Watch as the plates empty faster than you can say “Mangiamo!”
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
When you want a dinner that feels hearty without all the hassle, Italian Pot Roast Pasta hits the mark. This dish combines the savory flavors of a slow-cooked roast with the richness of pasta, making it a kid-friendly classic. It’s one of those recipes that will get everyone at the table asking for seconds. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and makes plenty for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
When the weather calls for something cozy, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup will do the trick. This dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for dipping grilled cheese into, making it a surefire hit with kids. The roasted tomatoes bring out a natural sweetness, making it a flavorful choice for younger palates. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables, but the kids won’t even notice with all the delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Classic Shrimp Scampi
If you’re looking to add some variety to dinner, Classic Shrimp Scampi is a hit with kids who love seafood. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavors that aren’t overpowering but still delicious. The dish is light yet filling, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Kids will love how easy it is to eat, and you’ll love how quickly it disappears from their plates.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
For a light yet satisfying meal, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a great option. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes adds a fresh twist to the traditional pasta sauce, making it something kids will actually look forward to. This recipe is a quick and easy way to serve a homemade dish without a lot of fuss. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your kids clean their plates when it’s this good.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Piccata
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to dinner while keeping it kid-friendly, Chicken Piccata is a great choice. The light lemon and caper sauce give the chicken a unique flavor that kids find both enjoyable and interesting. It’s a simple dish that looks fancy but doesn’t require a lot of prep. This meal is easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Classic Caprese Salad
This simple yet satisfying dish is a perfect way to get your kids to eat something fresh and delicious. Classic Caprese Salad brings together vibrant ingredients that are easy to love, even by picky eaters. The combination of flavors in this dish works effortlessly, making it a family favorite. It’s a no-cook meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad