I Cooked My Way Through 19 Italian Recipes So You Don’t Have To

Someone had to do the hard work of figuring out which of those Italian dishes were worth the mess. After testing 19 of them, the winners practically announced themselves. No extra toppings, no dramatic stirring—just meals that actually pulled their weight. Now nobody has to fake interest in the ones that flopped.

Marry Me Tortellini

Some dishes are perfect when you want something hearty and rich without being too complicated. Marry Me Tortellini brings together comforting flavors in every bite. This one feels like it was made for special moments but also works for any day. If you’re into creamy sauces, this is definitely worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Homemade Lasagna

Layers are what make this meal so fun to enjoy. Homemade Lasagna is packed with layers that make it feel like every forkful is something new. It’s something you’ll want to share, but also great for leftovers. Prep it once, and you’ll be excited to have this dish again later.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Antipasto Salad

When you’re leaning toward bold, fresh flavors, this is what you might grab. Antipasto Salad combines simple textures that work very well together. It’s great when you’re looking for something lighter to serve alongside heavier meal options. You’ll probably find yourself coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Morel Mushroom Pasta

For those who enjoy earthy and rich dishes, this recipe is hard to beat. Morel Mushroom Pasta stands out due to its unique flavor and satisfying experience. It’s something special for a dinner where you want that little something extra. You might be surprised how quickly people reach for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Meals that you can set and forget are always helpful and still feel special to serve. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken nails the balance between easy and indulgent. It’s one of those recipes perfect for feeding the whole household without much effort. The creamy finish makes it feel homemade without extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Italian Sliders

Bite-sized meals like these are just plain fun. Italian Sliders bring together quick flavors in a small, shareable form. They work whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a quick meal idea. Stack the flavors, and you’ve got a great option for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Minestrone Soup

You’ll always find something comforting about dishes like this one. Minestrone Soup delivers warmth and a variety of flavors in one bowl. It’s great for those moments when you need a simple, filling option. This recipe lets you enjoy a mix of everything without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Easy Caprese Salad

Simple meals that deliver bold punches of flavor are always welcome. Easy Caprese Salad celebrates a perfect mix of textures while staying hassle-free. It pairs great with main dishes, or you can make it the star if you want something light. Having it ready in minutes is a bonus for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Artichoke Pizza

Pizza gets a fun twist with this unique combination. Artichoke Pizza is unexpected but incredibly enjoyable in its simplicity. It’s an option for when you want a fresh take on traditional pizza ideas. Each bite feels like you’re trying a new classic you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Chicken Alfredo

Creamy meals always find their way onto the table for good reason. Chicken Alfredo provides that smooth comfort that’s great for cozy dinner nights. It’s filling without being overly complicated or heavy. If you love pasta, this is one meal you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Gnocchi

Dishes with soft textures always bring something extra to the table. Gnocchi is one of those recipes where simplicity shines in every bite. Whether you pair it with a sauce or enjoy it on its own, it’s versatile and reliable. You can’t go wrong putting it on the menu if you’ve got pasta lovers nearby.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Italian Dressing

Versatile recipes like this work for salads, marinades, or dipping. Italian Dressing brings a tangy touch without fighting other flavors it’s paired with. It’s easy to have on hand for so many meals, making it a staple for busy kitchens. Once you try homemade, you might skip store-bought altogether.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Meals that combine freshness and heartiness are always welcome. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap gives you bold flavors packed into every bite. It’s a quick, easy option to take on the go or enjoy at home. It’s one of those recipes you can easily tweak depending on what you’re craving that day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Cheese Ravioli

Pasta dishes like this are great for making every bite feel a bit special. Cheese Ravioli takes a simple concept and makes it work well when paired with sauces or herbs. It’s great when shared with family or for prepping ahead of time for busy days. If you love stuffed pastas, this is one to try.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Warm bowls of comfort are hard to beat for bringing people together. Marry Me Chicken Soup does just that while offering rich flavors that feel homemade. It’s a perfect mix of hearty textures without being too heavy. You’ll find yourself reaching for it on those days when a good bowl of soup feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Bite-sized options always make meals feel fun and versatile. Caprese Pesto Tarts give you a balance of fresh flavors without much effort. These are great for small gatherings or just as a snack during the day. You might find yourself making extra since they disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Pistachio Ice Cream

Sweet, cool treats always make dessert a fun part of the meal. Pistachio Ice Cream offers a unique flavor that stands out from more common options. It’s great for experimenting or as a finishing touch to a dinner menu. If you’ve never tried making it before, this is a simple way to start.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Fruit Pizza

Desserts can be fun to look at and even more exciting to share. Fruit Pizza combines vibrant flavors into one sweet dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize whether you’re planning for a kid-friendly option or something more casual. Sharing a slice of this feels a bit like sharing something special.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Three Cheese Manicotti

Some meals just feel bigger than the sum of their parts. Three Cheese Manicotti delivers everything you might want from a baked pasta dish. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting and easy to prepare. You’ll probably find yourself adding this one to regular meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti