33 Italian Recipes That Feel Like a Vacation at Home

Who says you need a passport to enjoy the charm of Italian cuisine? With 33 recipes that bring the spirit of Italy home, dinner can feel like a mini getaway any night of the week. From comforting classics to fresh takes, there’s something for every mood and occasion. Skip the plane and keep the good food, it’s a win all around.

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface. — Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You won’t look at tarts the same way after trying Caprese Pesto Tarts. They balance flaky crusts with fresh Italian-inspired layers that’ll steal the show. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, they work for any occasion. Bite-sized yet full of flavor, these are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Penne Alla Vodka

Some dishes just feel fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to enjoy at home, like Penne Alla Vodka. Creamy sauce combined with pasta creates a meal worth craving. Popular for a reason, this makes weekday dinners feel special. It’s one you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate. — Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have you ever thought about mixing two worlds in a dessert? That’s what Matcha Tiramisu does perfectly. The classic layered dessert is given a vibrant update with a modern flair. Great for people who like to try something different with their sweets.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making meals that stand out can be easy with the right approach. Marry Me Chicken Casserole combines hearty ingredients into one dish. Big flavors fit perfectly with its creamy blend of textures. Serve it up as a dinner that feels special with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Pizza Salad

Love pizza but looking for a fresher spin? That’s the beauty of Pizza Salad; it brings all the well-loved flavors into a lighter format. Tossed like a salad, it still satisfies pizza cravings. Plus, it’s a creative way to switch up your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. — Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is rich and flavorful while showcasing shrimp in the best light. The dish feels fancy yet approachable for home cooking. It’s ideal for a special meal, but don’t hesitate to enjoy it any day.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth. — Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some soups offer more than warmth, they deliver substance too. That’s what you get with Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Packed with layers of texture and ingredients, it’s a bowl that feels satisfying. Doing the work in a slow cooker makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Adding layers of flavor can transform even the simplest dinner plans. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna takes traditional lasagna and adds a refined twist. Rich and creamy fillings blend beautifully with pasta layers. Whether for gatherings or family meals, it’s always a reliable choice.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper. — Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A creative spin on pizza night brings variety to the table. Mushroom Pizza highlights the earthy element of mushrooms for a unique topping. Perfect for mushroom lovers, it’s a simple yet bold dish. Add this to your lineup if you’re looking for something beyond the usual.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface. — Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When salads meet wraps, you get meals like Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. It takes the best from Caesar salad but makes it portable and more filling. Easy to prep and enjoy on busy days, it’s practical yet flavorful. A dependable option for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl. — Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a meaty twist to a pasta classic, Italian Pasta with Salami stands out. The addition of salami adds boldness to every bite. Whether for lunch or dinner, it has a winning combination that satisfies. Simple yet layered, it’s great for easy Italian-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Dessert time doesn’t have to mean choosing just one flavor in your bowl. Neapolitan Ice Cream is always a crowd favorite that highlights classic contrasts. With chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all in one serving, it’s hard to go wrong. Everyone enjoys a scoop or two of this classic treat.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves. — Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you like soups packed with comfort, Tortellini Soup delivers every time. Each bowl feels balanced and hearty with little effort. The tortellini adds a fulfilling touch, elevating it above basic soups. Easy to make yet perfect for when you need something reliable.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Garlic Bread

Few sides complete a meal quite like Garlic Bread. It’s crispy, flavorful, and works well with any Italian-inspired main dish. A simple addition to your table, but always one that gets attention. Once you have it, you may wonder why you didn’t sooner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic recipe that never fails to make a statement. Homemade Lasagna stacks perfectly cooked pasta layers with a comforting mix of fillings. It takes extra effort but always delivers big flavor. Ideal for family dinners or as a dish to share for a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball. — Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ever wanted to change up your usual meatball recipe? Marry Me Chicken Meatballs does just that with a fun take on traditional flavors. They’re unique yet still fit in perfectly with Italian-inspired meals. A creative way to surprise guests or family at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Gnocchi gets a new lease of life with Sweet Potato Gnocchi. It’s comforting and a little different, making it stand out from the usual pasta options. Perfect for mixing up your weekly dinner plans. Once you try it, it might just have a permanent spot at your table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Tiramisu

Few desserts scream classic perfection like Tiramisu. With its layered texture and rich flavor, it’s a dessert that always impresses. Great for any occasion and hard to mess up when made right. Bring it out and watch it disappear fast—it’s just that irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Every bite of this dish balances creamy and hearty appeal. Marry Me Chicken Orzo turns everyday dinners into memorable meals with rich textures. Pairing orzo pasta with bold additions makes it perfect for dinner parties or casual nights. An easy option for packing full flavors onto one plate.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley. — Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwich lovers now have their bite-sized answer with Italian Sub Pinwheels. These handheld snacks turn robust flavors into fun, shareable bites. Portable and easy to enjoy anytime, they’re a great twist on traditional Italian subs. Perfect for parties or lunch on the go.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley. — Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Traditional lasagna gets a cozy rework in this one-pot dish. Spicy Lasagna Soup delivers all the familiar flavors but adds a bold spicy touch. It’s a smoother way to capture lasagna’s rich textures while keeping things simple. Great for warming up on chilly evenings with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese. — Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Burgers meet Italian flavor in Italian Sliders, making them tiny but impactful snacks. These sliders pack boldness into small bites, making them great for gatherings or quick lunches. They’re simple but effective in delivering robust and filling bites. Always a crowd hit.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil. — Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta filled with a trio of rich flavors feels rewarding no matter the time. Three Cheese Manicotti features creamy fillings wrapped in perfectly baked pasta shells. Serve it alongside your favorite salad for a complete meal. It’s a hassle-free pick for cheese lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Pistachio Ice Cream

Ice cream gets an interesting makeover with Pistachio Ice Cream, standing apart from the usual flavors. Nutty and fun, it’s not too overwhelming while still being unique. A solid choice when you’re looking for something fresh for dessert. Perfect for any ice cream fan.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Baked Ziti

When you need something that’s both reliable and filling, Baked Ziti is an easy go-to. It brings the comforting feel of Italian pasta with minimal prep work. Great for weekday meals or to bring to events. Classic yet effective, it’s known for pleasing everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate. — Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert combinations always catch everyone’s eye. Tiramisu Cheesecake blends the layered fun of tiramisu with the creamy appeal of cheesecake. It’s the best of two favorites rolled into one dish. Share it at get-togethers or keep it all in your kitchen for after-dinner dessert moments.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Cheesecake

Marry Me Chicken Risotto

A slice of chocolate cream pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a black plate. — Marry Me Chicken Risotto. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Risotto doesn’t always need seafood, and Marry Me Chicken Risotto proves that point. A comforting mix of rice and creamy flavors with the addition of chicken at its core. Whether you’re new to risotto or not, this version is worth trying. It’s reliable, filling, and unique.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Risotto

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern. — Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert can be fun and creative without too much effort. Fruit Pizza offers a sweet base with vibrant fruit toppings for a refreshing treat. Great for casual meals or celebrations, it’s a dessert that feels lighter yet enjoyable. Everyone loves the colorful way this dish is presented.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Caesar Salad

Even classics can feel fresh when done well, just like Caesar Salad. It’s simple, dependable, and the dressing makes it shine. Works as a great starting point or paired with any Italian-themed meal. One classic dish everyone can agree on when options feel overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup night becomes special with dishes like this. Marry Me Chicken Soup blends rich textures and filling elements to impress at the table. It’s easy to make and perfect for keeping warm meals ready. Switch it up from regular soups with something both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background. — Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When pizza gets creative, dishes like Pizza Pinwheels emerge. They bring the best parts of pizza into bite-sized rolls that are fun to eat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone, they flip the usual pizza experience. Quick, easy, and something everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. — Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Traditional Italian flavors come to life in a new way here. Antipasto Salad combines bold layers of taste in one colorful bowl. Perfect for gatherings or as a lighter main-course idea, it’s flexible and quick to assemble. A fresh addition to shake up your everyday meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

Pasta gets a bright update with Best Lemon Pasta, offering a fresh way to change usual routines. It’s light yet full of that classic Italian comfort vibe. Great on its own or as part of a larger dinner. Simple and worth enjoying whenever you need a quick switch-up.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta