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Italian cuisine is popular all over the world and you can find pizza, lasagna and antipasti on menus everywhere. But those aren’t the only delicious dishes from Italy. Read on for some of the best Italian recipes you can make at home. If you like Italian food, you’re definitely going to enjoy these. Roasted cauliflower carbonara, penne rosa pasta and ricotta pie are just some options for you. These recipes are all simple to prepare as well as very tasty.

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Overhead view of penne pasta with a rosa sauce in a pan.
Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try making this one-pot Penne Rosa Pasta with a creamy tomato sauce. This comforting and filling Italian dish is both tasty and satisfying and perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

A dutch oven with a cauliflower pasta dish in it.
Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara. Photo credit: Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara.

This delicious Italian recipe is ideal for any pasta lover, combining roasted cauliflower florets with a creamy sauce that includes bacon, pancetta, and parmesan cheese. It comes out of the oven perfectly golden brown and caramelized and is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

A large bowl of tuna bean salad.
Italian Tuna White Bean Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Simple ingredients combine to make this Tuscan classic. Juicy fresh tuna pairs with beans for a Tuscan tuna white bean salad everyone will enjoy. It makes a tasty meal, whatever the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian Frittata Recipe

A vegetable frittata cooked in a cast iron skillet.
Italian Frittata Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella

Straightforward to make and a treat to eat, this Italian vegetable frittata recipe is definitely a winning recipe. It’s simple to prepare, and you can mix and match the fillings depending on what you have in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect way to use up any vegetables or cooked meats you need to use up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Frittata Recipe

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto appetizer on skewers.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Antipasto Skewers.

Impress your guests with easy-to-make antipasto skewers, perfect for any occasion! Made with classic Italian flavors, these crowd-pleasing bites are ideal for parties, picnics, and more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Italian Limoncello Recipe

Bottle of homemade limoncello.
Italian Limoncello Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make this Italian limoncello recipe for yourself, for a special occasion, or even to give as a gift. A great homemade limoncello recipe is well worth knowing because this lemon-infused alcohol is an excellent way to finish dinner, especially if you’ve enjoyed delicious Italian recipes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Limoncello Recipe

Italian Panzanella Salad

Italian panzanella salad in a large bowl.
Italian Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Panzanella salad is a refreshing summer side dish that combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and chunks of crusty bread, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Panzanella Salad

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Overhead view of a basket of pressed Italian sandwiches.
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches. Photo credit: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches.

Transport your taste buds to Italy with these amazing pressed Italian picnic sandwiches! Perfect for lunch or a summer picnic, these sandwiches are bursting with authentic flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

A bowl with polenta in it with meatballs on top.
Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Meatballs and polenta with garlic roasted tomatoes is a simple-to-make, hearty meal. Easy, comforting weeknight meals like this are perfect for the colder months when you crave something tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

Heart Shaped Pizza

A homemade heart shaped pizza.
Heart Shaped Pizza. Photo credit: Heart Shaped Pizza.

Indulge in a delightful homemade heart-shaped pizza with a crisp, golden crust, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. This simple recipe will win over your loved one’s heart with its delicious flavors and charming presentation.
Get the Recipe: Heart Shaped Pizza

Meatball Marinara Subs

Two meatball subs on a tray.
Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Savor the juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns in Italian meatball marinara subs – a satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or busy weeknights. These sandwiches are far tastier than the fast-food version and are sure to please anyone, regardless of their Italian heritage.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Marinara Subs

Chopped Italian Sandwich

Chopped sandwitch on a tray.
Chopped Italian Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A chopped Italian sub is sure to satisfy even the strongest hunger pangs. This Italian bread sub with deli meats, cheese, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, and more make a great lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Italian rice salad in a large bowl.
Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This colourful, flavourful Italian rice salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck, summer BBQ, or as a versatile side dish for a simple lunch or dinner. Every mouthful of this Mediterranean brown rice salad is bursting with fresh ingredients such as tasty salad vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Hot Italian Sliders

Sliders with deli meats and cheeses on a platter.
Hot Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Hot Italian Sliders.

Spice up your next gathering with hot Italian sliders – the perfect appetizer for tailgating or backyard picnics! Made with slider rolls, deli meats, and cheeses, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Antipasto Board

Overhead view of an antipasto board.
Antipasto Board. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make the Italian antipasto board or holiday antipasto wreath your new appetizer tradition – a delicious party platter featuring a variety of cheeses, deli meats, vegetables, and a flavorful garlicky herb dressing that’s sure to please every palate.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Board

Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

Limoncello italian wedding cookies on a cookie tray
Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Also known as Russian tea cookies, Italian snowball cookies, anginetti, polvorones, Russian tea cakes, butterballs, and Mexican wedding cookies, Italian wedding cookies are a bite-sized sweet treat that always tastes best when homemade. These sweet little balls have limoncello as well as lemons and vanilla to flavour them, so you can imagine how wonderful these powdered sugar-topped cookies will taste.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Italian Wedding Cookies

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Gnocchi made from sweet potatoes served from a cast iron skillet.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Transform traditional Italian comfort food with this homemade sweet potato gnocchi recipe with roasted garlic sauce. The perfect vegetarian main course or flavorful side dish, this dish is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant parmigiana served in a casserole dish.
Eggplant Parmigiana. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Try this authentic Italian recipe for eggplant parmigiana, which is a comfort food favourite. Baked with a flavorful tomato and vodka sauce, this delicious vegetarian dinner idea is a hearty and satisfying meal bursting with tasty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmigiana

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

A homemade chicken pesto sandwich.
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian chicken pesto sandwich is easy and quick to make for dinner or lunch. Made with tender grilled chicken, creamy pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, and tomato, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds when served on ciabatta rolls or focaccia bread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Italian Beef

Two Italian beef buns on a tray.
Italian Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You won’t be able to resist making slow cooker Italian beef again and again once you try it. This hearty and filling dish is perfect on toasted rolls or hoagie buns, and the slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Pizza Giana Rustica

Pizza giana on a plate.
Pizza Giana Rustica. Photo credit: Pizza Giana Rustica.

Looking for a unique brunch or dinner dish? Look no further than pizza giana rustica, an authentic and classic Italian savory pie filled with a delicious blend of meats and cheeses. This dish, also known as pizza ripiena or pizza chiena, is the perfect way to use up leftover ham and is sure to impress your guests with its tasty combination of egg, cheese, and meat.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Giana Rustica

Mushroom Ragu

Pasta with a mushroom ragu served on a plate plate.
Mushroom Ragu. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Elevate your pasta game with this delicious and flavorful mushroom ragu vegan pasta sauce made with garlic, wine, herbs, and various fresh vegetables. This homemade spaghetti sauce is perfect for vegans or anyone who loves a hearty and healthy meal and is sure to become your new favorite meatless ragu recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragu

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup in a white bowl.
Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker lasagna soup recipe is the best you’ll ever try, with a hearty and delicious flavor that will satisfy you. Although there are quite a few ingredients, it’s an easy crockpot Italian dinner that is perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Giardiniera

Homemade giardiniera in a small white bowl.
Giardiniera. Photo credit: Giardiniera.

An authentic Italian giardiniera recipe consists of Italian pickled vegetables, making it the perfect condiment for Italian sandwiches, cured meats, cheese, grilled meats, pasta salads, and charcuterie boards. Fresh peppers and veggies add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Giardiniera

Limoncello Panna Cotta

A plate with a limoncello panna cotta with fresh berries.
Limoncello Panna Cotta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A truly delicious classic Italian dessert, limoncello panna cotta with fresh berries is definitely something you should try. It’s straightforward to make, even if you don’t often make desserts, and the combination of fresh berries, limoncello liqueur, lemon zest, and cream is just mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Panna Cotta

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

A pasta salad in a black Dutch Oven.
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Add some smoky flavour to your favorite pasta salad with this delicious smoked Italian pasta salad recipe. Packed with pepperoni, salami, mozzarella cheese, and a pepperoncini dressing, it’s the perfect dish for your summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Stromboli Recipe

Italian stromboli on a plate.
Italian Stromboli Recipe. Photo credit: Italian Stromboli Recipe.

Experience the taste of true Italian flavors with this authentic stromboli recipe from South Philly, where Italian immigrants first created this Italian-American dish. With its combination of deli meats, cheese, and rich Italian flavors rolled into a delicious sandwich, this easy-to-make stromboli is a great way to spice up any pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stromboli Recipe

Pesto Genovese

Homemade basil pesto in a small mason jar.
Pesto Genovese. Photo credit: Pesto Genovese.

Creating your own authentic Italian basil pesto is a breeze and requires no cooking. The fresh and creamy flavor of this homemade pesto sauce surpasses store-bought alternatives, and it can be used as a pasta sauce, condiment, or dip, making it a perfect use for fresh basil from your garden.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Genovese

Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad

Overhead view of a heirloom tomato and burrata salad.
Heirloom Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This authentic Italian burrata caprese salad is a delicious side dish or appetizer that features heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese with balsamic vinegar and truffle salt for added flavor. With every bite, you’ll savor the delicious flavors of this simple yet impressive dish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad

Beef Braciole

Beef braciole in a bowl.
Beef Braciole. Photo credit: Beef Braciole.

This savory dish, featuring a stuffed and rolled steak smothered in tomato sauce, is a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables, making it the perfect centerpiece for a Sunday family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Braciole

Zuccotto Cake

A homemade cake on a cake stand.
Zuccotto Cake. Photo credit: Zuccotto Cake.

Indulge in the perfect treat with this easy Italian zuccotto cake – a traditional Italian dessert made with pound cake, mascarpone cheese, chocolate, and more. With only nine ingredients, including fun multicolored sprinkles, this simple liqueur cake is a deliciously delightful dessert after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Zuccotto Cake

Garlic Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce in a black bowl.
Garlic Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Garlic Marinara Sauce.

Italian garlic marinara sauce made with fresh and simple ingredients. Whether you love authentic Italian cuisine or appreciate delicious flavors, this classic marinara recipe is easy to make and guarantees the absolute best taste compared to any store-bought alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Marinara Sauce

Muffaletta Sandwich

A homemade muffaletta sandwich on a table.
Muffaletta Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Savor the deliciousness of a homemade muffaletta sandwich, featuring a flavorful olive spread, deli meats, and cheese. With a simple recipe you can make at home, this satisfying sandwich will surely become a culinary highlight that will impress even the heartiest of appetites.
Get the Recipe: Muffaletta Sandwich

Chicken Saltimbocca

A platter with chicken saltimbocca.
Italian Chicken Saltimbocca. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken with sage saltimbocca sauce, prosciutto, and provolone cheese. Rich in flavor and beautifully served with polenta, potatoes, or pasta, this traditional Italian dish is sure to become your new favorite chicken dinner recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Alfredo Crepes

Chicken alfredo crepes in a casserole dish.
Chicken Alfredo Crepes. Photo credit: Chicken Alfredo Crepes.

Wondering what Italian crespelle are? They are delicious Italian crepes with alfredo sauce, perfect for making a savory, unique, and flavorful chicken alfredo crepe that is easy to make. Try this leftover chicken recipe, and you’ll discover a new favorite way to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Crepes

Mushroom and Onion Focaccia Bread

Marsala mushroom and onion focaccia bread.
Mushroom and Onion Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: Mushroom and Onion Focaccia Bread.

Marsala mushroom and onion focaccia are a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering and is especially great for sharing. With its savory, mushroom flavour and fluffy texture, this focaccia recipe will impress and become a family favourite.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom and Onion Focaccia Bread

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

A large servicing bowl of pasta and sauce.
Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in a delicious homemade Italian pasta dinner with pesto fettuccini and Bolognese sauce, bursting with fresh veggies in every bite. This hearty dish, featuring a homemade beef Bolognese meat sauce and fettuccine pasta, will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

An overhead view of a homemade ricotta pie.
Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a traditional Italian dessert to make? Try making sweet Italian ricotta pie, a delicious cheese pie filled with ricotta, vanilla, orange, and spices. You can simplify the recipe by using a pre-made pie crust instead of pasta frolla, and your family will love this creamy pie with its lattice top and rich ricotta cheese filling.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Tomatos filled with burrata on a serving tray.
Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

For a delightful Italian appetizer, try making fresh burrata-stuffed tomatoes – a quick, simple, and colorful dish that’s perfect for bite-sized finger food. With only four ingredients, plus salt and pepper, these appetizers are appetizing without being too filling, making them a great start to an Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta

A plate with breaded chicken and spagetti.
Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in the deliciousness of garlic chicken piccata with angel hair pasta – a flavorful and easy chicken and pasta meal. With juicy chicken, garlic, lemon, and pasta, this dish is a true delight that will satisfy your cravings for a scrumptious Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A serving bowl with mushroom risotto.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This creamy mushroom risotto bursts with flavor and is a standout side dish for chicken, or turkey, or a satisfying standalone option for vegetarians. Made with white wine or chardonnay, shiitake, and cremini mushrooms, this Northern Italian dish is simple to make yet impressively delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Pesto Rosso

A small mason jar full of red pesto sauce.
Pesto Rosso. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pesto rosso, a red alternative to green pesto, is versatile – spread it over crackers or toast, or use it as a pasta sauce. Try this delicious sun-dried tomato pesto recipe for a burst of flavor in your dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rosso

Ham Provolone Rosettes

Lasagna roll ups in cast iron pan.
Ham Provolone Rosettes. Photo credit: Ham Provolone Rosettes.

If you’re looking for an easy and aesthetically pleasing dish, try making Italian baked ham provolone rosettes. These adorable little pasta pinwheels, filled with ham, provolone, and parmesan, are easy to assemble and delicious, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ham Provolone Rosettes

Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

Italian lemon ricotta amaretti budino cake on a plate.
Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake. Photo credit: Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake.

The bundt pan is essential for creating the classic shape of this Italian dessert, which is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you enjoy it for a holiday celebration or a casual gathering, this lemon ricotta amaretti budino cake will surely please.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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