Dinner Drama Ends With 25 Italian Dinner Recipes I Trust

Family dinners can feel like reality shows, plot twists, dramatic pauses, and one person refusing to eat anything green. These 25 Italian meals know how to wrap the episode with applause instead of complaints. They’ve been tested in real kitchens where laughter, arguments, and second helpings share the same table.

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

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.

Weeknight dinners always feel calmer when plates of Marry Me Chicken Pasta hit the table. The creamy sauce brings everyone together no matter the mood. Comfort comes easy with each forkful. Seconds go fast so make extra to keep the peace.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Spinach Pizza

Rectangular slices of pizza topped with spinach, artichoke hearts, melted cheese, and a golden crust on parchment paper.
Spinach Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No pizza night gets passed up when Spinach Pizza are ready to grab. The crisp crust mixed with greens makes for a lighter take. Great for laid-back dinners with friends. Try it if you want a fresh taste without losing that classic pizza vibe.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Pizza

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.

Restaurant cravings vanish once bowls of Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta show up. Twirls of pasta with simple bites make everyone happy. Tastes best with a side of bread for dunking. You can rely on this one for busy nights too.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Pizza Sauce

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

Homemade slices always stay special with a scoop of Pizza Sauce spread on each crust. Even simple pies turn into something fun when you use them. Friends ask for extra on every slice. This sauce never lets the group down.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick, simple dinners win with plates of garlicky Aglio e Olio tossed just right. That smooth finish makes even boring nights feel easy. It matches up well with salads or crusty bread. Good pick for folks wanting more flavor and less fuss.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

Neapolitan Pizza

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

Food fans crowd the kitchen when hot Neapolitan Pizza sets off its chewy center and crisp outer rim. Classic Italian style means every slice has a real crunch. Looks just right for sharing. Never any leftovers after a group dive.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate.
Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert trays earn some extra buzz with creamy squares of Matcha Tiramisu ready for grabbing. The slight green twist starts up lots of chatter at the table. Works for bringing something new to standard Italian dinner. Save a few if you’re lucky, they go quick.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Pizza Salad

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

Pizza Salad kicks up a regular dinner with crispy bites tossed in for good measure. It mixes best with light dressings and often pairs with warm bread. Great for those who want a pizza feel without the heaviness. Folks usually ask for seconds when this appears.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

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.

Big plates bring a crowd faster when loaded with creamy Pasta Carbonara on the stove. The sauce holds everything together, so bites stay smooth. Easy to make for one or ten. Pairs up well for late dinners or lunchtime breaks.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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.

Even picky eaters try a slice when big rounds of Mushroom Pizza roll out at dinner. Crispy edges and earthy flavor work together nicely. Sometimes it’s the first to go at pizza parties. Matches cold drinks for a chill night.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spoons get busy once bowls of thick Butternut Squash Risotto come out after work. Creamy texture makes for slow bites and lots of quiet at the table. Hearty without being heavy. Worth making extra for those hungry nights.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Spaghetti Marinara

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

Full plates don’t last long once twirls of soft Spaghetti Marinara fill them up fast. The classic sauce brings everyone back to simple favorites. It’s an easy win on rushed days. Always pairs with garlic bread or a salad.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Artichoke Pizza

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

Slices from round pans of Artichoke Pizza change up the regular dinner routine with their tangy kick. Talk always starts with trying something new. Thin crust makes every bite crisp. This is what to bring for picky groups.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Antipasto Skewers

A plate of antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, and a drizzle of green pesto.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack platters look better with rows of Antipasto Skewers lined up for quick picking. The mix is perfect alongside pizza or pasta. Simple yet keeps conversations flowing. People grab more than a few, it’s hard to stop.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

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.

Dinner stress clears out fast with big pans of Marry Me Chicken Casserole bubbling hot. Full layers soothe everyone at the table. This handles leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Gets requests for repeat nights more than most.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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 runs off track, just right, with sweet chunks of Fruit Pizza set out after the main meal. Colorful and pleasing bites keep things light. Pairs up easily for parties or solo treats. Always leaves a smile on the last slice.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Easy Caprese Salad

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

Forks move quickly when bowls of Easy Caprese Salad get passed down the line. The light touch works great for heavy pasta nights. Stays crisp and simple every time you serve it. Even repeats don’t get boring for regular eaters.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese 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.

Gatherings sort themselves out once plates of Tuscan Pasta hit the table, loaded with creamy sauce. It fits well for feeding extra guests or just two. Great match for crusty bread or a glass of wine. Makes busy nights settle down in seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

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.

Busy weeknights get sorted with trays of baked Pizza Casserole sliced and ready for sharing. All the pizza flavors fill up every serving. Great for passing around at group dinners. Handles leftovers so you’re covered tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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.

Dinner drama ends well after scoops of smooth Pistachio Ice Cream fill up dessert bowls. Subtle flavor brings everyone a cool finish. So easy to pair with fresh fruit or cake. People ask about it before dessert even finishes.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

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.

Bowls of creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo turn plain dinner nights into something special. Each serving packs it in so friends usually go back for more. Cleanup stays simple, just dish up and done. Perfect one-pot for feeding a crowd or two.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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.

Bread baskets stay empty with soft Garlic Knots set out at the start of any dinner. Each bite melts into the main dish or works solo with dips. Smell alone brings everyone to the table quickly. They guarantee repeat requests week after week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

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.

Plates feel extra full when squares of cheesy Homemade Lasagna stack up for the night. Layers handle plenty of hungry folks. Best for feeding a table that stays busy till late. Slices serve up well for tomorrow’s lunch if there’s any left.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Spoons dig deep when cold slices of Tiramisu make their way to dessert plates. Coffee flavor sends chatter through the crowd. Great way to finish a meal without fuss. This classic wins extra points at any home dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Tangy bowls of creamy Best Lemon Pasta show up for quick fixes on any drama-filled weeknight. Bright flavor shakes up the regular rotation. Everyone asks for a second. Works well for smaller dinners or big events alike.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon 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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