Italian Cooking Made Simple With 29 Recipes To Try Tonight

Cooking Italian at home should be simple, not a cooking marathon. These 29 recipes get straight to the point—big taste, less hassle. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a laid-back dinner, there’s something here that just works. No chef hat required, just an appetite and maybe some extra plates.

Three Cheese Manicotti

With Three Cheese Manicotti, you’re in for a creamy, comforting treat that requires little effort. It’s a stripped-down, easy approach to authentic Italian cooking. This dish will fulfill your cravings with its rich, cheesy goodness. It’s an excellent choice, whether you’re dining alone or with company.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad serves as a hearty kickoff to your meal or stands proudly on its own. The preparation is uncomplicated, yet the result is fulfilling and robust in taste. The variety in texture and flavor makes every bite interesting. It’s the perfect no-fuss dish for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Cheese Ravioli

Dig into a comforting plate of Cheese Ravioli tonight. This dish epitomizes the simplicity and heartiness of Italian cuisine. With its cheese-filled delights, it’s bound to be a hit at any dining table. Ideal for those evenings when fuss-free and special come together.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders offer a fun, flavorful twist on the usual mini burgers. These are easy to assemble and are packed with flavors that scream Italy. They’re perfect for a laid-back dinner or feeding a crowd fast. Just watch as everyone grabs for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Italian Pasta with Salami

Tonight’s the night for Italian Pasta with Salami, a simple, flavor-packed meal. It’s the straightforward solution for a busy evening dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination is a crowd-pleaser, drawing everyone to the table. It’s a filling and inviting dish all will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Garlic Knots

Garlic Knots are the ideal sidekick for a variety of meals. With just a few steps, you can add a homemade touch to your dinner. They’re great for sharing, but you may want to make an extra batch. These will quickly become a regular request at meal times.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking to impress, Marry Me Chicken Pasta could be your secret weapon. The name alone is a conversation starter when you serve it up. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for a date night at home. This could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce is a breeze to whip up and beats store-bought any day. It’s a simple way to give a personal touch to your pizza nights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use with other dishes that need a tomato base. Once you try this, you might never go back to the jarred stuff.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Pasta Carbonara

For a classic Italian dish, you can’t go wrong with Pasta Carbonara. It’s all about turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that feels indulgent without the fuss. This recipe is proof that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Tiramisu

Finish with a flourish with Tiramisu, a straightforward rendition of the classic dessert. It’s easy to put together, making your dinner conclude on a sweet note. Perfect for those times when you want something indulgent but aren’t keen on spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Bring a new favorite to the table with Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make twist on the classic lasagna. This recipe offers a wonderful variant that’s as fulfilling as it is delicious. It’s a guaranteed way to warm up any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Garlic Bread

No Italian meal feels complete without Garlic Bread. It’s simple to prepare and complements just about any dish. Great for dipping, sharing, or savoring by itself. Expect it to become a frequent request—because once you start, stopping is the real challenge.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Best Lemon Pasta

Lighten up your meal with Best Lemon Pasta, a dish that pairs ease with a refreshing twist. It’s perfect for those nights when time is short but you still crave something remarkable. This pasta is a surefire way to brighten the dinner mood. Everyone will love its fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Caprese Appetizer

Begin your meal with the simplicity and elegance of a Caprese Appetizer. It’s quickly assembled but adds a sophisticated touch to your table. The freshness and straightforwardness of this starter set the tone for an enjoyable meal. It’s a foolproof way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Ravioli Casserole

Reinvent your dinner routine with the heartening Ravioli Casserole. It’s a smart pick for those busy nights, combining ease with a flavor punch. This dish brings the hominess and warmth of Italian cooking directly to your table. Get ready for a meal that invites seconds.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Easy Caprese Salad

A quick and easy side dish, Easy Caprese Salad is perfect for any meal. It combines a few simple components to create a refreshing experience. This dish not only brings simplicity to your kitchen but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. Whip it up tonight for a fuss-free complement to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Marry Me Chicken Soup

With Marry Me Chicken Soup, your ordinary evening gets a touch of special. This soup combines comfort with a hint of sophistication, perfect for a quiet date night at home or to impress a special someone. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and never fails to impress. Go ahead, make this tonight to see its magic.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garlic Aioli

When you need a versatile sidekick, Garlic Aioli is your go-to. This homemade delight pairs excellently with numerous dishes needing a kick of garlic. It’s a notch above store-bought versions, adding a personal touch to your meal. Put some garlic aioli on your table tonight to spice things up.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Indulge in some comfort with Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish is as comforting and rich as its name suggests and perfect for a family dinner. Impress everyone at the table without too much effort. Make sure to cook plenty as everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Italian Dressing

Your salads can go from dull to dynamic with Italian Dressing. Whip up this simple yet tangy dressing with items likely already in your pantry. Perfect for salads or as a marinade, it brings a fresh twist to any dish. Try this tonight and discover its versatility.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Enjoy all the traditional flavors of a classic dish without the effort with Spicy Lasagna Soup. This dish is also hearty and perfect for cooler evenings, warming you from the inside out. It’s easier to make than you might think and adds some heat to your meal. Serve this tonight for a real comfort feast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Mushroom Risotto

If you’re looking for a dinner option that both impresses and comforts, try Mushroom Risotto. This classic Italian dish requires some effort but rewards you with its creamy consistency and deep flavors. Perfect for an intimate gathering or a cozy night in. The rich taste of the risotto makes it utterly worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Spaghetti Marinara

Turn to Spaghetti Marinara when you need a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. It represents the essence of classic Italian cuisine. The simplicity focuses attention on the quality of what’s in your pan. Serve it any night you need a straightforward yet special meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Neapolitan Pizza

Crafting a Neapolitan Pizza at home can transform any dinner into a festive affair. This type of pizza is known for its thin base and light texture, cooking quickly. Bring the heart of Italy into your kitchen tonight. It’s a creative, fun activity perfect for pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Cacio e Pepe

Known for its simplicity and elegance, Cacio e Pepe is a standout pasta dish. This minimalistic recipe showcases how impactful simple ingredients can be. It’s quick to make and packed with flavors of cheese and pepper. Perfect for those nights when you need something comforting yet refined.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Ooni Pizza Dough

Start your pizza-making adventure with Ooni Pizza Dough. This foundation is crucial for any great homemade pizza and offers room for creativity with toppings. Make it from scratch to understand the craft of pizza. It’s a fulfilling part of preparing for the ultimate pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Minestrone Soup

Try Minestrone Soup if you’re looking for a filling, nutritious option that’s wonderful at any time of the year. Loaded with vegetables, it’s a robust way to consume a variety of nutrients. This soup is comforting and satisfying, making for a perfect standalone meal. Enjoy a bowl tonight for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Pizza Salad

Pizza Salad creatively combines the flavors of pizza in a lighter form. This dish is ideal for when you’re undecided between a vibrant salad and a satisfying pizza. It’s easy, quick, and offers a nutritious meal option. Try this innovative mix tonight and enjoy a fresh take on pizza.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Morel Mushroom Pasta

Experience a touch of luxury with Morel Mushroom Pasta without complicating your dinner plans. The unique, woodsy taste of morel mushrooms flavors this dish in an unparalleled way. Treat yourself to this blend of comfort and sophistication on an evening meant for indulgence. It’s the perfect mix for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta