Nonna didn’t spend hours in the kitchen just for fun—she knew the best tricks to keep things simple. These 15 Italian dishes bring big results with half the effort, proving that tradition doesn’t have to mean complicated. Whether it’s a comforting classic or a dish that looks straight off an Italian restaurant menu, you won’t believe how easy they are. No one needs to know how little time it actually took.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
This dish takes slow-cooked comfort and mixes it with pasta in the best way possible. The rich, tender meat falls apart into the sauce, making every bite extra good. Italian Pot Roast Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like it took all day but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s a no-fuss way to bring a classic Italian favorite to the table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Italian Wedding Soup
The name might make it sound fancy, but Italian Wedding Soup is as homey as it gets. Small, tender bites of protein and pasta swim in a rich broth that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up without feeling too heavy. Making it at home is easier than you’d think, and it beats anything from a can.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Classic Shrimp Scampi
If you think this dish is complicated, you’re in for a surprise. Classic Shrimp Scampi comes together quickly with just a few steps, making it perfect for weeknights. The balance of rich and light flavors makes it a go-to meal that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. You won’t believe how simple it is to make something that feels this fancy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite. The gnocchi add just the right texture to the creamy broth, making it feel hearty without being too much. It’s a great way to turn simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from an old Italian cookbook. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Big flavors don’t have to mean complicated cooking, and Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers proves it. The way the ingredients come together makes this dish feel straight out of a restaurant kitchen. It’s hearty, bold, and surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Once you know the trick, you’ll never need to order it again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is one of those Italian classics that sounds harder than it is. Everything simmers together until the flavors are just right, and it’s all done in one pan. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and makes dinner feel special. If you’ve never tried making it yourself, you’re in for a treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
This pizza takes a classic Italian favorite and puts it on a crispy crust. Shrimp Scampi Pizza got everything you love about the original dish, but in a way that’s fun and easy to eat. The combination of flavors is so good, you’ll wonder why this isn’t on every pizza menu. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Italian Chicken
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make Italian Chicken a go-to meal. The key is how everything cooks together, creating layers of rich flavor without much effort. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, it’ll be in your regular dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Birria Pizza
This mash-up of Italian and Mexican cooking is something you’ll want to make again and again. Birria Pizza brings slow-cooked richness to a crispy crust, making every bite ridiculously good. It’s bold, comforting, and easier to make than you’d think. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain cheese pizza.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
If you love a good one-pan meal, Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a must-try. The gnocchi cook right in the sauce, soaking up all the bold flavors. It’s a perfect mix of hearty and simple, making it great for busy nights. Plus, it’s done in a flash with almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette takes a simple salad and makes it something you actually want to eat. It’s rich without being too heavy, and the balance of flavors makes everything taste better. You won’t believe how easy it is to make something that’s way better than store-bought. Once you try it, bottled dressings won’t stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
This isn’t your basic soup—Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is the kind of meal that keeps you full without a ton of effort. The tortellini add just the right bite, while the broth brings everything together. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes dinner feel special without extra work. If you think soup is boring, this one will change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can make the best meals. The bold flavors come together fast, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level but is surprisingly easy to pull off at home. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
You might not expect this combo, but Ham & Asparagus Pizza just works. The contrast of flavors makes every bite interesting, and it’s a fun change from the usual pizza toppings. It’s easy to make at home and feels a little more special than your regular slice. If you’re looking for a new pizza night favorite, this might be it.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings restaurant-quality pasta straight to your kitchen. The sauce is rich and smooth, coating every piece of rigatoni just right. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Once you know how to do it, you won’t need to go out to get your fix.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka