How To Make 29 Italian Dishes That Rival Your Favorite Restaurant
Mastering 29 Italian dishes at home sounds bold, but it’s a lot easier than pretending to enjoy a cold takeout pizza. With these recipes, the only thing missing will be the bill at the end of the meal. Friends and family might start showing up suspiciously close to dinnertime. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

With Marry Me Chicken Casserole, you won’t need a special occasion to whip up this dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels fancy enough for a special dinner. Everyone will be asking for seconds, wondering how you made it. It’s a solid choice when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad isn’t just another side dish; it holds its own at the dinner table. Perfectly dressed and ready to pair with just about anything, it hits the spot every time. It’s the kind of salad that makes you understand why salads became popular. It’s simple, but don’t let that fool you – it packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, Million Dollar Spaghetti is your go-to. It combines all the comforts of your favorite pasta dish with a few luxurious twists. This is the pasta dish that makes everyone at the table silent, except for the sounds of forks twirling. And trust me, leftovers are even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad brings a burst of excitement to the table with its bold tastes and textures. It’s perfect for when you need something refreshing but still packed with flavor. Every bite offers something different, ensuring you never get bored. This dish is a surefire way to start any meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Sometimes, all you need is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to turn a regular evening into something special. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it’s got that ‘wow’ factor you’re after. This dish makes a convincing case for the power of a good pasta to make any day feel like a celebration. It’s not just good; it’s “make it every week” good.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Artichoke Pizza

With Artichoke Pizza, you get an out-of-the-ordinary pizza experience that’s as enjoyable as it is unique. This pizza throws a fun curveball into your usual pizza night lineup. It’s for those times you want to shake things up a bit without going too wild. There’s just something about it that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. It proves you don’t have to go out to enjoy restaurant-quality meals. This dish has a comforting familiarity to it, with just enough twist to feel exciting. It’s the perfect meal for when you want to treat yourself at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Pizza Casserole

For a fun spin on a classic, Pizza Casserole combines all the pizza goodness with the heartiness of a casserole. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just satisfying a serious pizza craving. It’s one of those dishes that everyone can agree on.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is all about bringing that special dine-out feeling home. It reminds you of your favorite restaurant dish, but with the pride of making it yourself. This pasta dish is a hit for its creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s not just a meal, it’s an accomplishment.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
Easy Caprese Salad

This salad is the epitome of simple elegance. Easy Caprese Salad is fresh, quick, and it dances on the line between simple and sophisticated. A dish that’s as perfect for entertaining as it is for a simple, healthy snack. It embodies the idea that sometimes, less really is more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is the answer. This dish is all about comfort, from the creamy sauce to the tender chicken and sweet corn. It’s hearty and satisfying without being overly complicated. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Caprese Appetizer

Caprese Appetizer is the perfect kick-off for any gathering, or just to start your meal on a light note. It’s bite-sized goodness that’s both refreshing and rich. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s a classic for a reason. Everyone will be reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer
Homemade Lasagna

There’s nothing like Homemade Lasagna to make a meal feel special. Layer upon layer, it’s a work of art and patience, resulting in a dish that’s always worth the wait. It’s the ultimate comfort food that makes you feel like home, no matter where you are. Everyone has a lasagna story, and making this will add another great one.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Caprese Pesto Tarts

Caprese Pesto Tarts are a creative twist on classic flavors, combining the freshness of a caprese salad with the coziness of a tart. They’re small in size but big in flavor, perfect for those days when you want something different. These tarts are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts
Marry Me Chicken Orzo

If you’re looking to impress, Marry Me Chicken Orzo is your go-to dish. It’s rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. No need to go out to a fancy restaurant when you can whip this up. Trust us, it might just seal the deal on a special night.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is a game-changer for dessert lovers who enjoy a hint of fruit in every bite. The crust holds up like a champ, giving you that perfect foundation. Each slice is a mix of sweetness and a bit of crunch. Perfect for a casual get-together or a solo treat.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza
Best Lemon Pasta

Who knew simplicity could taste this good? Every forkful is a little nudge of bright, tangy goodness. It’s a dish that gets it right without trying too hard. Twist your fork into Best Lemon Pasta when you’re craving something that pops.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Garlic Aioli

Forget about the store-bought stuff; this takes your sandwich or veggie platter to the next level. Garlic Aioli is rich, creamy, and yes, it packs a garlicky punch. Don’t even think about double-dipping. Use it as a go-to spread or dip.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli
Cacio e Pepe

It’s the comfort food star you’ll want to cozy up with. Cacio e Pepe is all about threading simplicity with elegance. Each mouthful is a silent nod to Italian tradition. It’s one of those dishes that proves less can be more.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Garlic Bread

Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece, and let’s just say it’s the perfect sidekick to any meal. Crispy edges, soft middle, and a buttery garlic taste – it hits all the right notes. Simple yet irresistible, that’s Garlic Bread for you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Gnocchi

Little pillows of joy, that’s one way to sum up the experience. A good bowl will make you want to ditch regular pasta nights. It’s about time you give Gnocchi the spotlight. They’re ready to mingle with a sauce of your choice.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Garlic Knots

Talk about a twist on bread that’ll make you forget all about plain rolls. Garlic Knots are the side dish that steals the show. They’re small, but their presence is mighty. Just try stopping at one, I dare you. Once you start pulling them apart, it’s basically game over for your self-control.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Mushroom Risotto

Stirring up a pot of this is like a promise of good things to come. Each spoonful is rich and comforting, without being too heavy. It’s all about balance and earthy tones. Mushroom Risotto speaks the language of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Neapolitan Pizza

Crafting one of these is like a nod to the old-school pizza artisans. The crust, thin and ever so slightly charred, is the foundation for something beautiful. Simple toppings, done right, make all the difference here. That’s the essence of Neapolitan Pizza.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Italian Dressing

This is what you whip up when your salad needs a quick pep talk. Tangy and herby, it clings to every leaf and vegetable. Italian Dressing is the hidden gem of the salad bowl. No frills, just good dressing doing its job.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing
Ooni Pizza Dough

Ready to up your pizza game with a sensational base? Lay the groundwork for your toppings with this canvas. Ooni Pizza Dough brings the heat and the crunch. It’s all about that perfect bake that holds strong without losing that soft, chewy bite. You’ll want to make extra because one pie is never enough.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough
Italian Sliders

When big flavors come in small packages, you know it’s Italian Sliders time. They’re the ultimate mingling munch. Whether it’s game night or a casual hangout, they fit in just fine. Pop one, pop two – they’re bite-sized after all.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Pizza Sauce

The secret’s in the sauce, and this one’s no exception. Slather it on thick or thin, however you like. Making Pizza Sauce from scratch? Totally worth it. It’s the base that brings your toppings to life. One good batch, and you’ll wonder why you ever bought the jarred stuff.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Pasta Carbonara

Whisking up this classic is like bringing home a bit of Italy. Every strand of pasta is coated with just the right amount of richness. It’s a nod towards the old ways of cooking. Pasta Carbonara doesn’t mess around when it comes to flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
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.
