Gather Your Loved Ones With 29 Warm And Delicious Italian Dishes

Nothing brings people together like a meal that feels like home. Italian food has a way of making every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a full family gathering, a great dish is all you need. These 29 recipes make sure your table is always full of good food and great company.

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

Artichoke Pizza

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

Stretched dough serves as the perfect canvas for a mix of marinated artichokes and cheese, making a great meal for sharing. Bite into this Artichoke Pizza and you’ll find a crunchy crust with a heartening topping that’s hard to resist. It’s ideal for those who like a twist on the classic pizza. Gather around the table and enjoy this reinvention of a beloved dish.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

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.

Imagine a dessert that layers creaminess with a coffee kick, a treat that’s both light yet indulgent. It’s not just any sweet end to a meal; it’s Tiramisu. This dessert wins hearts with its simplicity and the smooth blend of flavors. It’s a go-to for a dessert that impresses without the need for fancy decorations.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

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.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish renowned for its comfort and straightforwardness. Cacio e Pepe presents pasta in its most essential form, with a pepper twist that awakens your palate. It’s a humble yet bold dish. Whenever you crave something both simple and bold, this is your answer.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

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.

Gathering around a bowl full of vibrant veggies, meats, and cheeses can start a meal with a burst of different textures and tastes. Antipasto Salad introduces you to a medley of flavors that primes your appetite. Enjoy this as a precursor to any Italian feast. It promises to bring everyone to the table with its array of colors and choices.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

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.

Dipping or spreading, a versatile condiment can upgrade any snack or meal. Rich, creamy, and full of garlic flavor, Garlic Aioli stands out as a favorite. It’s perfect with bread, vegetables, or as a topper for various dishes. It’s a simple touch that adds a significant burst of flavor.
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.

A classic dish that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal to the forefront, comforting and rich. Creamy without the cream, Pasta Carbonara relies on eggs and cheese to create its signature texture. Experience this time-tested favorite. It’s a dish that proves sometimes the simplest flavors create the most memorable meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Caprese Appetizer

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

Small bites can pack a huge amount of flavor and are perfect for sharing among friends. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil combine in Caprese Appetizer to start your meal with an iconic Italian trio. It’s a refreshing opener. This appetizer showcases how minimal ingredients can produce maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

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.

Tubes of pasta stuffed with a trio of cheeses offer an ooey-gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Three Cheese Manicotti is all about the filling, creating a rich and comforting dish. It’s a taste experience that brings a cheesy smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for when you want a worthwhile meal that feels like a hearty embrace.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Easy Caprese Salad

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

A salad doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious; it needs the right combination. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, Easy Caprese Salad is a testament to the power of simplicity. Just a few ingredients bring this dish to life. It’s the ultimate easy dish for a burst of freshness any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

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.

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a buttery garlic punch, is what makes this side a favorite. Garlic Bread is a must-have companion to any pasta dish. Pull apart the warm, golden slices and share the joy. It’s simple, irresistible, and completes any Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bowl of soup with stuffed pasta can be the centerpiece of a cozy night in. With each spoonful of Tortellini Soup, you get a burst of flavors and textures. It feels both refined and homely. A dish like this is perfect for those moments when you need a warm hug from your meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

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.

A dish that takes the classic spaghetti and improves it with layers of cheese and sauce, creating a richer experience. Million Dollar Spaghetti is for those times when regular spaghetti just won’t do. This dish is a decadent twist on a familiar comfort food. It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, ensuring nobody leaves hungry.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Pizza Sauce

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

Behind every great pizza is a sauce that brings all the ingredients together. Pizza Sauce is the overlooked hero, the base that sets the tone for your favorite pie. It’s all about the right balance of tomato and herbs. It can make or break your homemade pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Casseroles are the quintessential comfort food, and adding ravioli takes it to new levels of coziness. Ravioli Casserole layers pasta pillows, sauce, and cheese for a truly rewarding bake. This dish is comforting and convenient, perfect for feeding a group with minimal fuss. It’s always a hit with families.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

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.

Charming little knots of dough, baked until golden and tossed with garlic and oil, can steal the show at any dinner. Garlic Knots are as fun to eat as they are delectable. These morsels are great for pulling apart and sharing. They’re the ideal side to complement any Italian dish, or just by themselves.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

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.

Tarts offer a beautiful presentation and a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Caprese Pesto Tarts layer basil pesto, tomato, and mozzarella atop a flaky crust, for a mouthful that’s both crisp and soft. They’re not just an appetizer; they’re a conversation starter. Perfect for impressing guests with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Sometimes, a hint of citrus can transform an ordinary pasta dish into something refreshing. Best Lemon Pasta brings a bright note to the dinner table, a change from the standard fare. It’s a dish that feels light yet rewarding. When you’re looking for a pasta with a twist, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Italian Sliders

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

Mini sandwiches packed with traditional Italian flavors make great party fare or a fun family dinner. Italian Sliders combine meats, cheese, and a little sauce for a small bite with big taste. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Perfect for game day, picnics, or any casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Neapolitan Pizza

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

There’s pizza, and then there’s the traditional, wood-fired wonder that is a true taste of Italy. Neapolitan Pizza boasts a thin, blistered crust with simple, fresh toppings. It’s all about the technique and tradition with this pizza. It’s a journey to Naples without leaving the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan 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.

Enjoy the restaurant experience at home with a dish inspired by a popular chain. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is a fun twist on a classic pasta, with a sauce that’s utterly crave-worthy. This dish is a reassurance that a great meal can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own dining room. It inspires kitchen creativity.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Ooni Pizza Dough

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

Homemade pizza is an opportunity to craft your perfect pie from scratch, starting with the dough. Ooni Pizza Dough is your base for a personalized pizza adventure. Roll it, top it, and bake it to your liking. It’s a joy for anyone who loves to put their own spin on pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

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.

Combining pasta with flavorful cured meat results in a dish that’s hearty and pleasurable. Try Italian Pasta with Salami for a meal that’s as robust as it is straightforward. It’s a no-fuss dish with a big presence. Perfect for when you want something filling without the complications.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy a vegetable-packed soup that’s both nutritious and filling. Minestrone Soup is like a celebration of the garden in a bowl. It’s hot, hearty, and has a little bit of everything. This soup is perfect for those looking to eat healthily but not skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Spaghetti Marinara

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

A dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking with its straightforward tomato-based sauce and spaghetti. Spaghetti Marinara is a reminder why this combination is a global favorite. It’s uncomplicated, yet absolutely fulfilling. It’s the kind of meal you turn to when you need a taste of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Italian Dressing

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

Every salad can use a boost from a dressing that’s full of herbs and has a kick of vinegar. Italian Dressing isn’t just for salads; it can marinate meats or add zing to vegetables. This versatile condiment adds life to any dish. It’s a staple that’s found in nearly every kitchen for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

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.

For those who love the flavors of lasagna but want something a bit more sippable, there’s a soup for that. Spicy Lasagna Soup amps up the traditional lasagna ingredients with a bit of heat. This soupy twist on a classic comfort food is filling and bold. It’s lasagna reimagined for the spoon.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

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.

Indulge in the flavors of Tuscany with a pasta dish that brings the region to your plate. Tuscan Pasta combines a mix of elements that are both rustic and elegant. It’s hearty enough for a fulfilling meal but has a touch of finesse. This pasta is perfect for those nights you want to eat like you’re on an Italian villa.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Mushroom Risotto

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

There’s something about the creamy texture of a well-made risotto that’s utterly captivating. Mushroom Risotto marries the earthiness of mushrooms with the silkiness of Arborio rice. Each spoonful is a soft, tasty treat. It’s a labor of love that’s absolutely worth the stir.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Cheese Ravioli

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

Sometimes the simplest filling, encased in tender pasta, creates a dish that feels like a special occasion. Cheese Ravioli can be both a timeless classic and a base for creative sauces. It’s a foolproof option for a light yet fulfilling meal. Everyone from kids to adults appreciates the comforts of this cheesy favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

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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