I Didn’t Expect To Love These 29 Italian Recipes As Much As I Do

Italian food always sounds good, but these 29 recipes felt extra special. Each dish brought rich flavor with simple steps and easy ingredients. From pasta to baked dishes, every bite felt like a warm hug. The kitchen smelled amazing, and the table stayed full of happy faces. Cooking became more fun with each new recipe.

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You think you know salads, but this one is truly something special. Caesar Salad combines crunchy greens with a creamy dressing that’s both simple and irresistible. It’s the kind of dish you find yourself craving unexpectedly. Give it a try, and it might become your new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

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.

Layers of flavor and comfort come to mind when you think of this classic Italian dish. With Homemade Lasagna, each spoonful is a delicious surprise of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Once you have a taste, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart every time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unassuming yet bursting with flavors, this dish takes you by surprise with its rich taste. The Marry Me Chicken Casserole brings together tender chicken pieces and a sauce that’s simply unforgettable. Everyone will be asking for seconds before they finish their first helping. You might find yourself making it for the mere comfort it brings.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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.

When you’re in the mood for something hearty, this soup surely hits the spot. Spicy Lasagna Soup combines familiar elements of lasagna into a warm, tasty bowl. It’s unexpectedly lively with a little kick that keeps you coming back for more. You’ll be surprised at how comfortingly familiar yet different it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna 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.

A mix of flavors greets you in this diverse dish. Antipasto Salad offers a variety of tastes and textures that you wouldn’t expect to work so well together. Each bite is a new experience, bringing together the best of Italian starters. Discover how effortlessly it becomes a favorite at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Comfort on a plate, pure and simple. Marry Me Chicken Orzo features tender bits of chicken paired with orzo for a meal that surprises with its balance. It might seem straightforward, but the flavors sing like no other dish you’ve tried. A few bites in, and you’ll understand why it captures hearts.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Ooni Pizza Dough

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

Creating a restaurant-quality pizza at home starts with this incredible dough. Ooni Pizza Dough offers the perfect base for any topping, and it just might make you rethink delivery. With its chewy texture and flavor, you’ll find joy in making pizza from scratch. For homemade pizza lovers, this is a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

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.

Finish off your meal with a dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Tiramisu is that one sweet treat that’s deceptively simple yet so rich in flavor. Its layers of creamy goodness with a hint of coffee will win you over instantly. You really can’t help falling for its charms once you have a bite.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

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.

A fresh, vibrant pasta dish that’s surprisingly full of flavor. With Pasta Primavera, you get a wonderful mix of vegetables tossed with pasta that brightens up any meal. It’s a dish that’s simple, yet unexpectedly pleasing in its balance of flavors. You might find it becomes your go-to choice for when you want something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Why choose just one flavor when you can have three in one go, Neapolitan Ice Cream is an unexpected delight that combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s surprisingly perfect to enjoy the mix of flavors in each scoop. A treat that’s both nostalgic and tastefully rewarding, it never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

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.

Sometimes, the simplest things leave the biggest impact. Garlic Bread shows that a few basic ingredients can create an unexpectedly great accompaniment. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it completes almost any Italian meal perfectly. Once you try it, it may just become your essential side dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

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.

It’s incredible how two main ingredients transform into a dish full of depth. Cacio e Pepe brings pasta, cheese, and pepper together in the most uncomplicated way possible. Don’t let its simplicity fool you; every bite packs a punch. A classic that shows sometimes less really is more.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Caprese Appetizer

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

A perfect starter that’s fresh, simple, and full of flavor. Caprese Appetizer combines tomato, cheese, and basil for a delicious introduction to your meal. It’s an unexpected favorite that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Give it a chance, and it just might steal the show at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Here’s a pasta dish that’s not only simple but bound to impress as well. Marry Me Chicken Pasta includes tender chicken pieces tossed with pasta in a sauce that’s simply delicious. It’s one of those meals you didn’t know you needed in your life until you have it. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its charm when you try it out.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Italian Sliders

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

Finger foods never tasted so good with these petite bites. Italian Sliders pack a surprising punch of flavors between small but mighty buns. They’re perfect for any occasion, being just as tasty as their bigger counterparts. Try them once, and you’ll see they’re more than just your average slider.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Best Lemon Pasta

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

You might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the burst of fresh flavors. Best Lemon Pasta combines just the right amount of tanginess and tastiness. Each twirl of pasta is refreshing and light. You’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

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.

You might be amazed at how a little garlic can transform a simple mixture. Garlic Aioli adds a punch to just about anything it touches. Perfect for dipping or as a spread, it’s incredibly versatile. Next thing you know, you’ll be putting it on everything.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You didn’t expect such a creamy and rich experience from a few simple ingredients. Pasta Carbonara brings together a taste of flavors in every bite. The combination of eggs, cheese, and pancetta creates a comforting dish. It quickly becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Neapolitan Pizza

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

There’s a charm in biting into a perfectly crafted pizza. Neapolitan Pizza brings an experience with its thin, crispy crust and simple yet flavorful toppings. It’s a slice of heaven that surprises you with its authenticity. One bite and you’re transported to Italy.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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

There’s something so warming about layers of pasta, cheese, and greens. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is a perfect surprise with its hearty yet light flavors. The mix of spinach and ricotta offers a perfect balance. Who knew lasagna could be so refreshing?
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Italian Dressing

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

Often underestimated, it’s a game changer for your salads. Italian Dressing offers a zingy and bright flavor that livens up any greens it touches. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly versatile. You’ll be hooked on this simple, tangy delight.
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.

The unique blend of eggplant and tomato might intrigue you. Pasta alla Norma combines these ingredients in a manner that’s nothing short of amazing. The dish presents a robust flavor that won’t leave you indifferent. It’s destined to change your pasta game forever.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Easy Caprese Salad

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

You’ll love the simplicity that packs so much flavor. Easy Caprese Salad brings together tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a medley. The freshness and balance of this dish might surprise you. It’s a refreshing treat you wouldn’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You didn’t expect a sauce to be so creamy yet punchy. Penne Alla Vodka offers a rich and comforting experience with each bite. The vodka adds a depth that’s quite unique. It quickly becomes an unexpected favorite in your pasta repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Artichoke Pizza

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

Your standard pizza game just changed. Artichoke Pizza combines hearty artichokes with a perfect blend of cheese and seasoning. This pizza variation surprises and delights with its combination of textures and flavors. It’s such a unique twist on pizza you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

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.

Pasta nights get more exciting with this mix. Italian Pasta with Salami pairs flavorful salami with delicious pasta. Each bite bursts with flavorful surprises, transforming a simple dish into something special. It’s a perfect change from typical pasta recipes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert takes a refreshing turn here. Fruit Pizza brings a sweet and colorful twist to the traditional pizza concept. Topped with an assortment of fresh fruits, this dish is both eye-catching and delicious. It’s a fun and unexpected treat you’ll come to adore.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Pistachio Ice Cream

A glass bowl holds two scoops of pistachio ice cream topped with crushed pistachios, with a waffle cone placed upside down in the bowl.
Pistachio Ice Cream. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s a nutty delight you’ll quickly fall for. Pistachio Ice Cream offers a creamy and unique flavor that’s both rich and refreshing. Each scoop is full of that distinctive pistachio taste. It’s an exquisite surprise you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You may not have expected such a rich combination to be so comforting. Three Cheese Manicotti is stuffed with a delectable mixture of cheeses that melt perfectly. Baked to creamy perfection, it’s an indulgence you can’t resist. Each bite feels like a warm, cheesy hug.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

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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