Make Dinner Special With 29 Simple And Authentic Italian Recipes

ByMandy

A meal doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With 29 options inspired by timeless Italian cooking, there’s something for every mood and schedule. Simple ingredients and familiar flavors make these dishes easy to enjoy any day of the week. When food is this good, there’s always room for one more at the table.

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.

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.

When you need something quick and delicious, throw together a plate of Italian Pasta with Salami. This blend of simple Italian ingredients focuses on the salami to bring robust flavor. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s flavorful while not being complicated. Give it a try next time hunger strikes, and you’ll come back to it!
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s hard to beat a Neapolitan Pizza with its perfect crust and delicious toppings. The dough cooks up with just the right amount of chew, coupled with fresh tomato and melted cheese. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together. Make it on a calm evening, and watch the smiles grow.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

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.

When looking for something light yet flavorful, Antipasto Salad fits the bill. Loaded with a variety of elements, it delivers a bite that’s never boring. Fresh and easy to prepare, it pairs well with almost any main course. Try it for your next meal, and you’ll love how versatile it is!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a splash of color to your dinner with Pasta Primavera. This dish is a wonderful mix of seasonal elements, and it celebrates the simplicity of Italian cooking. It feels fresh and light yet comforting enough for any appetite. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Looking to feed a crowd without too much effort? Ravioli Casserole is your answer. This dish combines the comfort of ravioli with a baking method that’s efficient and hands-off. The result is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t require complicated steps. Make this casserole and feel the comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something charming about Garlic Knots that always wins people over. These small bread bites are packed with flavor, thanks to the touch of garlic in every knot. They’re perfect as a side or on their own, especially when you want something simple and tasty. Next time you have a meal, include these for a winning touch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple yet always fulfilling, Cheese Ravioli brings that comforting feel of home with every bite. It’s just good food paired with a warm feeling, thanks to the perfect cheese-filled pockets. Whether it’s dinner for the family or meal prepping ahead, this dish doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Sometimes you need a dish that’s bright and refreshing, and that’s where Best Lemon Pasta comes in. The combination of pasta and this ingredient is a match made in kitchen heaven, light yet full on flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it perfect for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Italian Sliders

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

Bite-sized yet full-flavored, Italian Sliders are perfect when you want something casual but rewarding. Think of your favorite sandwich but in a smaller, more inviting form. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, great for gatherings or a fun meal at home. Next time you’re looking for a playful option, these are a great pick.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it.
Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A good spread can make all the difference, and Garlic Aioli is no exception. This addition has just the right balance of smoothness and flavor, perfect for sandwiches or dipping. Making it from scratch is rewarding and adds a special touch to your meals. Keep it on hand, and you’ll find endless uses for this spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

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.

For something comforting and hearty, Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers with every spoonful. It’s a beautiful way to bring warmth and joy to any mealtime. Packed with flavors that meld together beautifully, it’s a hit for those cold, busy days. Try this recipe when you need a little comfort in your bowl.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want something quick and fresh, Easy Caprese Salad is the way to go. This simple salad marries fresh elements beautifully. It’s perfect as a light meal or a stunning side to your dinner. Enjoy the balance of flavors that come together with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

It’s hard to talk about Italian desserts without mentioning Tiramisu. This timeless dessert brings layers of creamy and sweet elements that are hard to resist. It’s more than just dessert; it’s a treat that ends meals on a high note. Share this with friends, and everyone will rave about it.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bowl of Minestrone Soup is truly comforting and packed full of various goodies. This robust soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any night you need a boost. It’s simple to put together yet feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Make this often; it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine a dish called Million Dollar Spaghetti that is just as amazing as it sounds. It’s everything great about spaghetti but with an added depth that feels special. Serve this up, and everyone will think you spent much more time on it than you did. Make this a staple and enjoy the easy win.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a bite-sized delight that’s packed with flavor, try Caprese Appetizer. These small snacks bring together a classic mix in an easy-to-enjoy form. Perfect for gatherings or as a starter, they capture the essence of Italy in one bite. Simple, yet so pleasing every time you make them.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

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.

Feeling like something different? Mushroom Pizza is a great way to switch things up. It’s a twist on the usual pizza that brings in earthy and balanced flavors everyone will enjoy. Making it at home adds that personal touch, and you’ll love the outcome. Try it next time a pizza night rolls around.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

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.

For those who love heat, Spicy Lasagna Soup is a surprising twist on a classic. It’s everything you love about lasagna but in a comforting bowl with an extra kick. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it brings warmth in more ways than one. Next time you want something cozy with a punch, give this a go.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade Italian Dressing can really make your salads sing. This dressing is simple to prepare and adds something special to any salad it touches. Make a batch, and you’ll always have a delicious dressing ready to go. Perfect for those looking to add a bit extra to their greens.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have the best of both worlds with Pizza Salad, combining fresh flavors with the beloved pizza taste. It’s a light yet flavorful way to enjoy everything you love about pizza in salad form. Great for when you want something fresh without skipping the favorites. Make this, and it might just become a regular meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever tried Tuscan Pasta? This dish combines hearty elements into an easy-to-make ensemble that’s both flavorsome and filling. The result is a rich dish that feels special yet approachable. Perfect for any weeknight dinner when you want something more.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simplicity does it best, and that’s certainly true for Cacio e Pepe. It’s remarkably simple yet full of flavor with just a few elements brought together perfectly. Ideal for those nights when you crave quick and tasty. Make this classic, and see how the simple can also be incredible.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Ooni Pizza Dough

Someone sprinkling flour over pizza dough.
Ooni Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Making your own Ooni Pizza Dough is incredibly rewarding. The process is straightforward, and the result is a perfect base for any pizza creation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things really are made from scratch. Great for family pizza nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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

When lasagna needs a fresh twist, try Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. This version combines everything you love about lasagna with a flavorful take that feels light yet comforting. Serve it up for those who enjoy something different but familiar. A great dish for any collection.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s hardly a dish that doesn’t benefit from Garlic Bread. It’s a simple addition, but with that touch of garlic, it becomes something everyone reaches for. Perfect as a side to almost any meal. Next time you bake, toss some together to see how it transforms your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy something special yet unpretentious? Mushroom Risotto fits the bill. It’s a dish that brings deeper and unique flavors with every spoonful. Cooking it doesn’t have to be intimidating; it’s a process you can enjoy. Give it a try when you want something that feels indulgent yet manageable.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Tortellini Soup

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

When soup and pasta collide, you get Tortellini Soup. It’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s both delicious and heartwarming. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Perfect for those cooler days when all you want is a warm, comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta alla Norma brings a unique blend of elements into a simple pasta dish that’s nothing short of enjoyable. It’s elegant yet easy enough to make at home. This is perfect when you want dinner to be special without too much effort. Cook it once, and you’ll see why it’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

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.

Nothing says comfort like Homemade Lasagna. Layered with love and packed with flavors, it’s a meal that always brings people together. Perfect for gatherings or weekends when you want to make something memorable. Next time you have a bit of extra time, put this on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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