If You Can’t Afford a Villa Make 21 Italian Recipes and Pretend

Nobody’s checking passports at dinner, so feel free to act like rent isn’t due while eating like royalty. Cooking all 21 of these Italian dishes can briefly trick your brain into thinking you’ve got a Vespa and a marble kitchen. There’s a strong chance the neighbors will assume you’re hiding a nonna in your pantry.

Ooni Pizza Dough

Making pizza at home feels genuine with Ooni Pizza Dough. It’s an easy way to replicate authentic pizza nights without traveling far. Adjusting it to personal tastes is simple, and it pairs well with any toppings. You’ll have fun pretending you’re crafting an Italian classic right from a villa kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Marry Me Tortellini

A creamy plate of pasta like Marry Me Tortellini is perfect for cozy dinners. The flavors blend perfectly, giving it a rich and fulfilling bite every time. It’s the kind of dish that makes you imagine dining at an Italian villa. Share it with someone special for a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Pizza Sauce

Pairing the right sauce with pizza makes all the difference, and Pizza Sauce does just that. Whether on homemade dough or store-bought crusts, it brings out bold flavors. You’ll feel like you’ve mastered a secret recipe from an Italian chef. Perfect for pizza nights with friends.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Cooking Million Dollar Spaghetti is all about layering perfection. It combines pasta, sauce, and baked elements that make it feel extra indulgent. Serve it up and pretend you’re hosting dinner in Rome itself. Everyone at the table will want seconds!
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Easy Caprese Salad

A quick plate like Easy Caprese Salad feels fresh and elegant. It’s a simple mix that captures Mediterranean vibes in every bite without any complexity. Pairing it with crusty bread makes it even better. You’ll think you’re enjoying it while overlooking Italian countryside.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Pasta Carbonara

Classic and fulfilling, Pasta Carbonara is great for hearty meals. The creamy texture mixed with perfectly cooked pasta makes it hard to resist. Throw in a dinner setting inspired by Italy, and it’ll feel authentic. This dish works perfectly for a fancy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Garlic Aioli

Dipping just feels better when Garlic Aioli is involved. It’s perfect for spreading or adding to sandwiches, giving everything a little extra. Even simple meals feel upgraded with this addition. You’ll feel like you’re dining at a rustic villa with each use.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Three Cheese Manicotti

You can’t go wrong with cheesy pasta favorites like Three Cheese Manicotti. It’s rich, baked, and feels homemade with every bite. It’s ideal for bringing out those comforting Italian flavors without much effort. Guests will think it was plucked straight from an Italian family dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Veggie Pizza

Having Veggie Pizza means choosing a lighter yet delicious pizza option. Packed with flavors that make you forget about missing meat, it’s a true crowd pleaser. Homemade or store-bought, it brings an Italian pizzeria vibe straight to your table. Perfect for casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Combining pasta and salad together makes Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad a winner. It’s filling enough to feel like a meal but easy to whip up quickly. Whether for lunches or dinners, it fits into almost any schedule. Serve it up and pretend you’re dining lakeside in Italy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats the aroma of Garlic Bread fresh from the oven. It’s simple, fulfilling, and the perfect side for any Italian-inspired meal. Share it with family or friends, and every bite feels comforting. You’ll enjoy imagining it paired with villa-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Ravioli Casserole

Combine pasta and casserole styles with Ravioli Casserole. Baked perfection makes this dish stand out while keeping it simple to make. It’s one of those meals that feels special while actually being easy. A villa-style dinner wouldn’t be complete without it.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Minestrone Soup

Warm bowls of Minestrone Soup feel hearty and homemade. It’s great for cooler days when you want something lighter but still filling. This dish makes you imagine sitting at an old Italian kitchen table. Pairing it with bread or crackers works perfectly for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Italian Dressing

Salads go from boring to vibrant thanks to Italian Dressing. It’s versatile enough to work on greens or as a marinade. Adding this to your table makes everything feel a little more authentic. You’ll enjoy pretending it was made in your villa’s pantry.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Tiramisu

Dessert feels extra special with Tiramisu after any meal. Layers come together for a perfectly balanced sweet treat that you don’t need to overthink. Cutting into it makes you think about coffee shops lining Italian streets. Share it during celebrations or quiet evenings.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Tortellini Soup

Serving Tortellini Soup makes meal time comforting and warm. Every bowl feels filling with hearty flavors that keep you wanting more. It’s ideal when you want something fulfilling but light at the same time. Pretend it’s straight from an Italian cook’s book.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Italian Sliders

Small bites can pack big flavors, like Italian Sliders do. They’re perfect for parties or quick meals when you’re busy but still wanting Italian flair. Adjust them to fit the crowd and impress everyone. These sliders work wonderfully as villa-inspired snacking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Neapolitan Pizza

Few dishes feel as authentic as Neapolitan Pizza, even when made at home. The simplicity shines, letting you focus on rich, bold flavors without going over the top. Perfect for casual lunch or dinner gatherings. Bring some Italian pizzeria charm to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Italian Pasta with Salami

Pasta gets another twist with Italian Pasta with Salami mixed in. It’s hearty, filling, and feels different than your usual pasta dinners. It works well when you want something simple but packed with fulfilling flavors. Enjoy imagining seated at an Italian city restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Fruit Pizza

Dessert brings fun with Fruit Pizza added to the menu. A twist on typical pizza, this one feels lighter and creative for different occasions. Mixing fruit elements makes it good for casual treats or group events. It’s a sweet way to change things up from savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Pasta alla Norma

Keep it classic with Pasta alla Norma for an Italian favorite. Simple yet rich, it’s the kind of dish that works well for big dinners or just a smaller setup. The flavors are bold enough but not overwhelming, making it an easy pick. Serve it while pretending you’re enjoying meals abroad.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma