29 Italian Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Wine And Quiet

When dinner feels like background music to a slow evening, 29 Italian plates are lined up to play the role. They bring just enough character to stand next to wine without stealing the spotlight. Each recipe respects the idea that not all meals should come with noise or crowds. It’s the kind of lineup that makes silence taste better than usual.

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.

Pizza Sauce

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

Great pizza starts with a solid base. Pizza Sauce brings out familiar, comforting flavors that everyone expects. Spread it on any crust for homemade pizzas that come together fast. It also works as a dip for breadsticks or veggies. Keeping a jar in the fridge is always handy for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

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.

Changing up lasagna keeps pasta night fresh. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna layers pasta, sauce, and chicken for a smooth, filling meal. Each slice comes out rich with every bite. Leftovers make lunch the next day simple. It’s an easy favorite at any table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Neapolitan Pizza

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

Pizza nights get more fun with Neapolitan Pizza. This classic style gives you a chewy crust and a simple set of toppings. The flavor is easy to pair with almost any wine. Make each pizza personal by changing toppings to fit your mood. It’s always a good choice for relaxed evenings.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

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.

Turning favorite chicken into a casserole means less work on busy nights. Marry Me Chicken Casserole blends everything into one baking dish for easy meals. It comes out of the oven creamy and packed with flavor. Scooping out servings is quick and mess-free. Casseroles like this help keep weeknight dinners simple.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Italian Sliders

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

Sliders bring handy finger food to gatherings. Italian Sliders pack small buns with familiar Italian fillings. Each bite is full of big flavor in a small package. Great for dinners or as a party tray. They’re gone in minutes because everyone likes bite-sized snacks.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Mushroom Risotto

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

Creamy rice dishes don’t take much effort but feel special at the table. Mushroom Risotto blends hearty grains with earthy mushrooms for a warm meal. Serve it as a main or a side with other Italian classics. The texture is always a hit. Stirring up a pot is soothing for a quiet night in.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Appetizers are more fun when they’re bite-sized and easy to grab. Pizza Pinwheels roll up pizza flavors into swirls that everyone enjoys. Place them on a tray and watch them disappear fast. No utensils needed keeps cleanup easy. Pinwheels fit lunch boxes, too.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup lovers don’t want to miss this one. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup gives you tiny meatballs and greens in a light broth. It’s easy to prep and lets flavors build while it cooks. Leftovers are just as good for lunch or dinner. Bowls of this soup invite everyone to relax and eat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

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.

Simple sides round out any Italian meal quickly. Garlic Bread brings crisp edges and a soft center with a rich, buttery flavor. Set it beside pasta, soups, or salads for a reliable favorite. Kids love to pull apart the slices. No dinner spread feels complete without it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

A plate of creamy rotini pasta with shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a spoon placed at the side.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta salads are always easy to make ahead. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad mixes chicken and noodles in a creamy dressing for fuss-free serving. It’s good for potlucks, lunches, or fast family dinners. Keeps well in the fridge for several days. Every bite is hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

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.

Ending meals with something a little different keeps things interesting. Pistachio Ice Cream gives you a nutty cool treat that stands out next to classic desserts. Scoop it up for simple dessert servings. It has a distinct color that looks great in a bowl. This one is a fun twist when you want more than just vanilla.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Giving salad a pasta twist makes a bowl more filling. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines all the Caesar classics with penne for an easy meal. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Great to pack for work or casual dinners. Pasta salads like this are on repeat for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwiches taste even better when they’re rolled up. Italian Sub Pinwheels take the fillings you love from a sub and slice them into spirals. Pass them as appetizers or keep for lunches. No need for extra toppings or sauces. Sub pinwheels always bring new life to snack time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Easy Caprese Salad

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

When fresh is best, salad is the way to start. Easy Caprese Salad pairs soft cheese, tomatoes, and herbs in a simple dish. It comes together quickly for snacks or sides. This salad is colorful and light, perfect for quick gathering meals. Leftovers make a great lunch, too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of fettuccine pasta with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.
Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seafood lovers get their pasta fix with this one. Shrimp Alfredo coats shrimp with a creamy sauce over noodles. It feels special yet comes together quickly. The portion size is easy to manage for big or small groups. Any fan of pasta and shrimp will remember this meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Meatballs make meals fun and easy. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs bring a tender bite and light flavor, just right for pasta or sandwiches. Serve them as appetizers or with a main. Reheating extras is no problem at all. They suit just about any dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Baked Ziti

A spoon scoops baked ziti pasta covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce from a casserole dish.
Baked Ziti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta bakes never go out of style for a reason. Baked Ziti has cheese and sauce in every forkful, perfect for family nights. Slices come out of the pan easily, even for little hands. Serve with bread or salad for a full meal. It disappears from the table fast every time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

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.

One-pot dinners make cleanup a breeze. Marry Me Chicken Orzo stirs chicken and pasta into a creamy dish. Scoop into bowls for an easy, warming meal. Extras can be heated up later for quick lunches. Orzo is soft and fun to eat, especially in easy recipes like this.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Caesar Salad

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

Green salads never lose their spot at the table. Caesar Salad balances crisp leaves with creamy dressing for a classic side dish. Top with extras if you want to add crunch. Serve alongside pastas or simple grilled meats. This is a staple salad for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

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.

Hot, filling soups win over big appetites on busy nights. Spicy Lasagna Soup takes all the layers you like about lasagna and turns them into a bowl. It’s lighter and easier to serve than classic slices. The bit of heat keeps things interesting. Soup like this is best when you want something different.
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.

Dressing can make or break a salad. Italian Dressing adds tang and spice to greens, pasta salads, or even subs. It bottles up well for make-ahead planning or weeknight meals. Pour over fresh veggies for quick flavor boosts. Once you try it, it tends to stick around.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

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.

Some pasta dishes just feel special, even on a regular night. Million Dollar Spaghetti layers baked noodles, sauce, and cheese for big flavor. Each slice is creamy and rich from the oven. It makes for easy lunches the next day, too. This classic is a big hit for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Dips and spreads turn simple breads or veggies into something new. Garlic Aioli brings extra creaminess and bold flavor to your meal. Set out a small bowl for easy dipping. Mix into sandwiches or wraps for more flavor. You’ll find yourself reaching for it often.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Weeknights call for easy dishes that everyone likes. Pizza Casserole tosses together pasta, sauce, and cheese for an oven-baked meal. The top gets golden and stretchy with every scoop. Kids love how much it tastes like regular pizza. You can make a big batch for leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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.

Comfort in a bowl helps end the day right. Marry Me Chicken Soup brings a creamy base packed with chunks of chicken. It’s an easy choice for busy schedules. Pour into mugs or bowls for a quick meal. Any leftover soup works great the next day.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

Desserts with options are always a hit, especially with kids. Neapolitan Ice Cream brings together three classic flavors in every scoop. It looks great in bowls or cones and fits many dessert moods. Perfect for ending dinner on a sweet note. This ice cream is popular for birthdays and family nights.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

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.

Creamy, rich pasta is always welcome after a long day. Chicken Alfredo brings together noodles and sauce for a quick main dish. It serves well for family gatherings or date-nights. Portion out extra for lunch later in the week. This recipe stays on many favorites lists for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

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.

Starting with a shareable salad keeps dinner light and fun. Antipasto Salad packs bold mix-ins for a fresh and filling dish. Pair it with breads or as a lunch on its own. It’s colorful and easy to toss together last minute. Salads like this make any meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto 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.

Tuscan flavors give pasta night a fresh update. Tuscan Pasta offers creamy noodles and seasoned extras all in one bowl. It’s good for big crowds or just a quiet dinner. You get a nice balance of smooth and hearty in every forkful. Make extra because everyone may ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

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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