Bring Italian Flavor Home With 29 Simple And Satisfying Recipes

Bring Italian flavor home without turning your kitchen into a full-blown restaurant. These 29 recipes keep things simple, filling, and totally doable on a weeknight. No guesswork, no drama—just straightforward meals that make people ask, “You made this?” It’s the kind of lineup that’ll have your leftovers mysteriously disappear.

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.

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.

When a dish is named Marry Me Chicken Soup, you know it has to be good. It brings the warmth of Italy right into your kitchen and doesn’t complicate things. Whether you’re aiming to impress someone or just treating yourself, this soup is a win. Its comforting and creamy base has been known to win hearts.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

An Antipasto Salad turns an Italian platter favorite into a fresh, vibrant salad. It’s the perfect way to kick off any meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The variety this dish offers is unmatched, and the clean-up is as easy as it gets. Ready to serve in minutes, it’s a no-stress starter.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Neapolitan Pizza

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

There’s something special about a Neapolitan Pizza that makes it a timeless classic. Its simplicity is what has kept it a staple in Italian cuisine. Making this pizza could very well turn your kitchen into the neighborhood’s new favorite spot. It’s all about capturing that authentic Italian taste.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

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.

Fresh Garlic Bread straight out of the oven is one of those simple pleasures. This easy-to-make side dish perfectly complements nearly any meal, especially the Italian ones. It doesn’t take much time or effort to get right. Plus, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Caprese Appetizer

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

A Caprese Appetizer is the ideal choice when you’re looking for something simple yet impressive. This dish takes classic ingredients and presents them in a way that’s both fresh and inviting. It’s great for casual gatherings or as a light start to any meal. The best part? No cooking is required.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make your favorite restaurant meal at home with Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something a bit upscale but still laid-back. This dish brings a touch of class without the need to leave your home. Plus, it might just become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Ooni Pizza Dough

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

If you’re showing off your pizza oven, then Ooni Pizza Dough is your secret weapon. Not only will your pizza game be strong, but you’ll also rake in the compliments. This dough is what sets apart the amateurs from the pros. Get ready to impress.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Easy Caprese Salad

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

For a quick and classy fix, there’s nothing like an Easy Caprese Salad. It’s perfect for those times when you’re pressed for time but still want something nice. This salad is a testament to classic Italian ingredients coming together beautifully. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Artichoke Pizza

A pizza with artichokes, tomatoes and spinach.
Artichoke Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Switch things up with an Artichoke Pizza. It offers a unique flavor that stands out from the more traditional options. If you’re in the mood for something different, this pizza is a great choice. Plus, it’s bound to get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

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.

Garlic Aioli can upgrade a wide range of dishes with its rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re using it as a dip or spread, it’s a game-changer. This condiment is quick to make and adds a lot to whatever it accompanies. All it takes is a little mixing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

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 fill up with minimal fuss? Ravioli Casserole is your answer. This comfort dish is straightforward to make and is sure to please a crowd. It’s hearty, satisfying, and you’ll likely be asked to make it again. Just layer, bake, and boom—dinner’s done. Leftovers? Good luck finding any.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Italian Sliders

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

Italian Sliders might be small, but they’re mighty in flavor. They’re perfect for a quick meal or as a party snack. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re a fun way to enjoy Italian flavors in bite-sized form.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Cheese Ravioli

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

When in doubt, Cheese Ravioli is the go-to dish. It’s comforting, easy to make, and a hit with everyone. This dish stands as a testament to the power of simple, well-made food. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, disappearing fast at any table.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

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.

Upgrade your snack game with Caprese Pesto Tarts. Using a muffin tin for something other than muffins, this dish is a creative and tasty twist. They’re ideal for when you want a snack that’s a bit sophisticated. And yes, they look as good as they taste.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

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.

Simplicity shines in Cacio e Pepe. This dish is all about mastering the basics and showcasing them beautifully. It’s proof that sometimes, less really is more. Get this dish right, and it’s a showcase of true skill—all while being incredibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

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.

Making Tiramisu at home is like unlocking an Italian treasure. Four simple layers come together to create an instant classic everyone raves about. It’s an impressive dessert that’s shockingly straightforward to pull off. Just like that, your kitchen is infused with the essence of Italian cafes, no passport needed.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spaghetti Marinara keeps things uncomplicated yet completely delectable. It’s your go-to for a laid-back meal that feels like you’ve spent hours on it. Just get it rolling, let the kitchen fill up with that irresistible aroma, and serve. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that brings the essence of Italian dining to your table without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

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.

This dish is all about turning a routine evening into something extraordinary. Mushroom Pizza proves that homemade can readily outshine store-bought or delivered options, bringing a piece of Italian tradition right into your dining room. It’s a surefire pleaser, especially for those who are mad about mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For that restaurant-quality experience at home, Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is your secret weapon. Prepare it yourself, skip the outing, and bask in the comfort of your dining room. This dish is a luxurious treat, and pulling it off at home will give you all the props.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Mushroom Risotto

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

Bringing the exquisite experience of a rustic Italian bistro to your home is a breeze with Mushroom Risotto. Just a pot and your stirring skills, and you’ve got a dish that feels like a mini escape. This risotto is lush, it’s nurturing, and it’s surprisingly accessible for any home cook. Get ready for a dish that’s akin to a warm embrace on your taste senses.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side.
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crack the code to a stellar homemade Italian meal with Chicken Alfredo. This dish serves up luxury in a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s bound to be a hit. It’s simpler than it seems and yet so rewarding once it hits your plate. This is your ticket to a weeknight that feels like a weekend splurge.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Pizza Salad

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

Bored with traditional greenery on your plate? Pizza Salad completely reinvents the salad experience. It gives you the best parts of a pizza with a fresh, crunchy twist. This dish is a conversation starter and the perfect shake-up for your greens routine.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Take a whirl at combining two Italian staples with Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. It layers indulgence with each scoop and brings serious wow-factor to your dinner table. It’s a showstopper that impresses guests and satisfies the whole family. Lay it out and watch it disappear; it’s that enticing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mastering your own Pizza Sauce turns you into an at-home pizza artisan. Whip up a batch with your personal spin, and watch those jars become a thing of the past. Handcraft your base, and your pizza nights will never be the same. It’s the foundational note that makes every bite sing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

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.

Homemade Lasagna feels like an act of love, a construction project for the soul. As you build each layer, you’re curating an experience, not just supper. This is the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and keeps you coming back for more. And wait until you taste it the next day—it’s like a whole new dish.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Pop a batch of Garlic Knots in the oven, and suddenly, they’re the star of the show. Golden, buttery, and garlic-packed, they’re the ideal prelude to any Italian feast. You’ll find them vanishing quickly, so perhaps make extras. These knots have a way of making everything else on the table second best.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Lighten up dinner with something that’s effortlessly chic—Best Lemon Pasta. It brings a vibrant kick to the table that lifts up your entire meal. It’s the perfect balance of lightness and punch that’ll have you saying goodbye to boring pasta nights. Plus, it’s a cinch to whip up, making any evening feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Italian Dressing

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

Ditch the store-bought stuff and give Italian Dressing a homemade twist. It’s the little shake-up that your salad game has been longing for. Bold and full of character, it promises to transform even the most ordinary of lettuces into something memorable. Salads just got a serious upgrade, and it’s all thanks to a simple shake.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

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.

Experience a genuine piece of Italian culture with Pasta alla Norma. It’s a dish steeped in tradition yet ready for modern palates. Suitable for casual weeknights or when you want to serve up something with a bit more flair. It’s a straight shot to Sicilian bliss, no ticket required.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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