Nothing Too Fancy—Just 25 Real-Deal Italian Dishes

You know life’s serious when it’s measured in pasta bowls instead of hours. That’s why having 25 true Italian dishes lined up feels like keeping happiness on speed dial. Each one has history, a reason it stuck around, and the kind of simplicity that makes you question why you ever bothered with anything else.

Spaghetti Marinara

Nothing brings out real-deal Italian vibes like a classic plate. Red sauce over Spaghetti Marinara always hits home at dinner. You can twirl it on your fork and it never loses its charm. Friends go for another serving without thinking. This one just feels right for any night you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Artichoke Pizza

Straight-up comfort lands on the table with bold toppings. Each slice of Artichoke Pizza brings out that Italian pizzeria vibe. The crust holds everything just right. Slices disappear faster than you expect. Grab it quick or you’ll miss out.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Anytime you want to skip the restaurant lines, this works. Plates of Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta get a lot of attention. Saucy strands pull everyone in for seconds. Someone always asks how you made it at home. It’s a crowd favorite for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy spoons of this dish make you want to slow down dinner. Butternut Squash Risotto look extra smooth at the table. Each bite has just the right texture. People lean in for another helping. It’s the risotto that keeps guests happy.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Pasta Carbonara

Quick dishes sometimes turn out the best for sharing. Forks dig into Pasta Carbonara before you call everyone to the table. Rich with each bite it never leaves leftovers. Seconds are gone in no time. This pasta always gets the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Neapolitan Pizza

Big gatherings welcome a hot slice with open hands. The layers on Neapolitan Pizza feel just like street eats in Italy. Crust has that slight chew everyone loves. It’s always the first pie gone. You’ll remember how simple it was to serve up.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Weeknights turn better with a pan full of flavor. Bowls of Marry Me Chicken Pasta get plenty of attention. Each bite delivers something comforting and rich. Nobody leaves this one untouched. It gets requested over and over.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pizza Salad

Salads become main plates when pizza is in the name. Pizza Salad keep things light while staying true to classic flavors. It’s fresh but still feels hearty. The whole group finishes it each time. Definitely something different from the regular salads.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Party trays look better stacked with these. Mini bites of Caprese Pesto Tarts pack all the good stuff in one spot. The flaky crust stands up to the filling. These go fast at a table full of options. You’ll see smiles after every bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Mushroom Pasta

When you need something real but easy this works. Plates of Mushroom Pasta fill hungry bellies quick. The earthy flavor wins folks over fast. Seconds show up just as you finish serving. Always a hit at pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Hearty casseroles fit every occasion without fuss. Marry Me Chicken Casserole comes out creamy and filling. People ask for leftovers before the meal ends. Trays are cleared fast at potlucks. It’s an easy win for Italian night.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

Simple plates can still steal the show. Bowls loaded with Pasta alla Norma get nods across the table. The mix of sauce and pasta balances out the meal. Forks scrape bowls clean. Everyone always says yes to seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Desserts round out an Italian lineup with a hit of color. Scoops of Neapolitan Ice Cream keep things fun for everyone. Three flavors mean never having to choose just one. Bowls clear out faster than you think. Always a strong finish to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Date nights or big meals get better with this dish. Plates of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta are gone before you know it. Shrimp brings some wow to the table. Seconds get snapped up quick. Friends always remember this pasta.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Tiramisu Ice Cream

Frozen desserts can still keep that Italian classic taste. Tiramisu Ice Cream go around for dessert. The creamy spoonfuls keep everyone at the table. You’ll hear about it week after week. It stands out on a simple menu.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Ice Cream

Italian Pasta with Salami

Big flavors show up fast in this bowl. Each serving of Italian Pasta with Salami gives you variety in every bite. It’s good at home or packed up for a lunch. No serving ever goes untouched. You’ll pack extra just in case.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Garlic Knots

Hands reach in for these before the meal even starts. Baskets of Garlic Knots don’t last long on the table. Soft dough keeps everyone pulling for more. Dips just make them better. You’ll want extra for the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Baked Ziti

Casseroles make feeding a group super easy. Plates full of delicious Baked Ziti hit all the right notes for pasta fans. Cheese pulls alone sell it. Slices don’t last past seconds. It’s a dinner you’ll make on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Garlic Bread

Real-deal dinners always have this as a side. Slices of Garlic Bread vanish before anyone even sits down. Delicious crunch and softness together get all the praise. It fits every pleasing plate. Seconds are always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Mushroom Risotto

Creamy bowls work every time for pasta lovers. Each bite of Mushroom Risotto brings comfort without trying too hard. Texture gets talked about at the table. Pans come back empty. Family favorites like this need no upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Pistachio Ice Cream

Dessert trays feel finished with this bowl. Scoops of Pistachio Ice Cream get noticed for their color and taste. It’s a classic that stands out without effort. Friends always ask for a second helping. Clean spoons mean a win.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Tiramisu

Crowd-pleasing desserts never go out of style. Slices of Tiramisu finish off a meal in style. Coffee and sweet layers keep everyone happy. The pan never has leftovers. Most people ask for the recipe by the end.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Pizza Pinwheels

Appetizer trays empty out quickly with these on hand. Swirls of Pizza Pinwheels make for easy passing and eating. Each bite is packed with flavor. They work for quick snacks or big gatherings. Always gone by halftime.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Marry Me Chicken Risotto

Special nights get a boost with this creamy dish. Bowls full of Marry Me Chicken Risotto go around before you set the rest out. Rich flavors keep people asking for more. Clean plates all around say enough. It becomes a go-to after just one try.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Risotto

Caprese Appetizer

Finger foods are perfect for Italian dinners. Skewers of Caprese Appetizer remain light while delivering vibrant flavors. These pair well with almost any dish on the table. Leftovers are rarely found, if at all. Quick bites ensure happy guests.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer