I Didn’t Even Need A Backup Plan—just Made 29 Italian Recipes
No need for a backup this time. Just went with the plan and made 29 Italian recipes straight through. Each one came out better than expected, like everything was meant to happen that way. The kitchen stayed calm, and the process felt smooth from start to finish. Sometimes things just work, and this was one of those times.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

When you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, this rich and flavorful Italian classic hits the spot. Marry Me Chicken Soup has a creamy broth loaded with tender chicken and hearty ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels complete on its own without overthinking. No frills, just pure wholesome deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Italian Pasta with Salami

Sometimes all you need is a simple yet bold dish to brighten your mealtime. Italian Pasta with Salami combines the rich taste of salami with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s all about balancing classic flavors with ease. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s just right every time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Caesar Salad

A crisp and refreshing dish that always delivers without trying too hard. Caesar Salad pairs crisp greens with a creamy dressing and tasty toppings. It’s a reliable option that feels like a meal in itself. With every bite, it keeps things fresh and light.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Tortellini Soup

Perfect for those moments when you want something cozy yet straightforward. Tortellini Soup packs pasta, broth, and simple ingredients in one tasty package. It’s hearty without going overboard, making it great for any occasion. It’s all about bringing comfort to the table, no backup plan needed.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Here’s a handheld meal that feels effortless and delicious. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap takes the classic salad and brings it to a portable form. It’s a mix of creamy, crunchy, and filling flavors all rolled up conveniently. Perfect for those quick meals that still taste great.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
Spaghetti Marinara

Sometimes simplicity is all you need to make dinner shine. Spaghetti Marinara keeps things classic with perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s easy to make and feels like comfort on a plate. Every bite reminds you why Italian cuisine is so timeless.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Neapolitan Ice Cream

A fun and straightforward dessert that satisfies every craving in one scoop. Neapolitan Ice Cream layers chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors in perfect harmony. It’s ideal when you’re in the mood for something sweet but can’t decide. Take a spoonful, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

When you’re craving restaurant vibes in your kitchen, this dish brings the magic home. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta mixes tasty chicken with silky pasta that’s packed with flavor. It’s easy to recreate without any complicated steps. Every bite feels like a treat without leaving your house.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
Cheese Ravioli

For a dish that doesn’t need anything extra, this one always hits the mark. Cheese Ravioli is a simple pasta stuffed with creamy goodness. It’s comforting and doesn’t ask for much effort. Serve it up, and you’ve got a meal that’s just right.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Mushroom Pizza

Straightforward and full of classic flavor that always works. Mushroom Pizza brings earthy toppings onto a perfectly crisp crust. It’s all about keeping it simple while delivering big on taste. Great for any occasion, any mood, any time.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza
Three Cheese Manicotti

When cheese is calling your name, this dish has you covered with all the goodness. Three Cheese Manicotti is filled and baked to perfection. It’s rich, cheesy, and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. Absolutely delicious and ready to be enjoyed effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Tiramisu

A reliable dessert that wraps up any meal just right. Tiramisu layers creamy textures with a hint of sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s one of those treats where less is truly more. Bite into it, and everything feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Restaurant-quality meals can be done at home without the hassle. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara blends creamy sauce with tender ravioli. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Every plate looks and tastes impressive without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Garlic Knots

Soft, fluffy, and loaded with an irresistible kick of garlic, this snack feels like an instant win. Garlic Knots are a perfect side dish or bite on their own. They’re easy to enjoy, no extra effort required. Just grab one and you’re set for a comforting experience.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Ravioli Casserole

If you’re looking for a meal that easily brings everyone to the table, this one does the trick. Ravioli Casserole layers flavors and textures that feel hearty without being overwhelming. It’s straightforward yet packed with the kind of taste that feels just right. A no-stress recipe that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Pasta alla Norma

It came together perfectly without a backup plan, and it hit all the right notes in no time. Pasta alla Norma brings together rich flavors and comforting vibes that feel effortless. With every bite, it proves there’s magic in simplicity. Something about the combination takes you straight to the heart of Italy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Marry Me Chicken Orzo

No backup plan needed when everything just gets better with each bite. Marry Me Chicken Orzo is all about combining creamy and hearty flavors in one simple dish. It’s the kind of thing that feels so delicious without being complicated at all. The layers of textures are exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Mushroom Pasta

Everything just clicked, as if a perfect meal was meant to happen. Mushroom Pasta brings a depth of earthy flavors without feeling heavy. It’s comforting and came together in a way that felt almost too easy. It’s great for when you don’t want to overthink the joy of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta
Caprese Pesto Tarts

This came out like it was planned all along, even when it wasn’t. Caprese Pesto Tarts feel light and fresh yet pack a punch of simple flavors. It’s one of those dishes that makes you pause and smile at how good it is. The balance of everything in this dish just feels naturally right.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts
Marry Me Tortellini

It all came together without missing a beat. Marry Me Tortellini is about taking something classic and making it effortlessly amazing. The creamy, rich layers in this dish make every bite feel comforting yet exciting. It all feels like it was meant to be.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini
Pasta Carbonara

Without even trying, everything tasted like a perfect match. Pasta Carbonara leans on simplicity that somehow feels timeless and unforgettable. Smooth and rich textures made this dish come alive in an easy way. It’s like finding perfection without needing to plan for it.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Homemade Lasagna

This felt like it practically made itself into comfort on a plate. Homemade Lasagna blends hearty layers into a dish that surprises with how easy it feels. It’s filling in the best way and makes dinner time feel tasty yet effortless. You’ll wonder why anyone would need a backup option after this.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

There’s something about how things came together perfectly without much thought. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is a cozy mix of flavors you didn’t even need to think twice about. It’s creamy yet light, making every bite feel warm and welcoming. Straightforward goodness that just makes sense.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Garlic Bread

No overthinking was needed for a quick hit of flavor. Garlic Bread turned out crispy, bold, and comforting all at once. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps for something memorable. Sometimes simple is all you truly need.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Tuscan Pasta

Everything came together so naturally and worked without a second thought. Tuscan Pasta blends creamy textures with subtle bursts of flavor in a way that feels effortless. It’s filling without being overly complicated, making it feel just right. Moments like this make you glad you didn’t second-guess dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

No backup plan was ever necessary for something so tasty. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna layers creamy goodness with hearty textures in a way that feels easy. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet didn’t take much thinking to pull off. You’ll want to keep this on hand anytime, just in case.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Antipasto Salad

It all came together as if it was meant to happen. Antipasto Salad is refreshingly simple but doesn’t miss out on bold flavors that pair perfectly. It’s a light dish that feels perfect without being overly complicated. One bite proves you didn’t need more than this on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Gnocchi

Simplicity took center stage and didn’t need a backup plan to shine. Gnocchi delivers that soft, pillowy texture in a dish that feels effortless. It’s just the kind of thing you’d want when you’re craving something comforting yet easy. No extra steps needed for this kind of meal.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Italian Sliders

It all felt effortless as the flavors came together without trying too hard. Italian Sliders bring bold yet simple tastes into a bite-size meal that works every time. They’re perfect for when you need something easy but full of flavor. No fancy touches were needed to make these memorable.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
About the Author

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.
