The Only Thing I Made All Month Was 29 Italian Meals

There are easier ways to spend a month, but none quite like eating through 29 different Italian meals. It became less of a plan and more of a lifestyle. People schedule vacations or gym memberships—this was just food, repeated with flair. Somewhere between day ten and twenty, normal dinners felt outdated.

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

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of creamy filling and tender pasta made this meal one to remember. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna was easy to serve for big groups or simple family meals. It paired beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh side salad. The baking dish was empty before anyone asked for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow-cooked flavors brought a rich and hearty finish to every serving. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken was a dependable main dish that worked well with rice or a pasta side. It stayed warm and ready throughout the meal. Every plate came back wiped clean without leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sauce coated every bite of pasta, making it a reliable choice for any table. Penne Alla Vodka worked for everything from weeknight meals to casual get-togethers. It paired nicely with a fresh salad or breadsticks. Not a single plate was left unfinished.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp greens tossed with bold flavors turned this into a dependable favorite. Caesar Salad brought balance to heavier meals or stood strong as a light option by itself. It worked well for sharing at group dinners or casual lunches. Every bowl was gone before anyone thought about seconds.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Bright and simple flavors gave this dish a fresh and comforting feel. Best Lemon Pasta worked perfectly alongside fish or chicken but was just as good on its own. Each bite carried a light but pleasing finish. Plates came back clean after the very first serving.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These meatballs turned into a crowd-pleaser every time. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs paired nicely with pasta or worked alone as a shareable appetizer. They stayed tender and packed with rich flavor throughout the meal. No one left without grabbing seconds or thirds.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Italian Dressing

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

Savory and tangy, this dressing added the perfect touch to salads and sandwiches alike. Italian Dressing worked well as a marinade or drizzle for veggies and lighter meals. It balanced bold flavors without overwhelming any dish. Every bottle emptied faster than anticipated.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This soup turned into a go-to option for cozy dinners. Marry Me Chicken Soup worked just as well as a lighter lunch or hearty starter. It paired beautifully with crusty bread or simple crackers. Every bowl was wiped clean without a drop left behind.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

Creamy layers and a rich finish made it hard to ignore. Tiramisu brought a restaurant-quality experience home with every slice served. It worked perfectly as a sweet ending to heavier meals or shared over coffee. The serving tray didn’t last long once the spoons came out.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

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.

It turned into the easiest way to please a crowd. Marry Me Chicken Casserole paired perfectly with fresh sides or worked as a hearty stand-alone meal. Its warm textures kept everyone coming back for more. Nothing was left on the serving plate by the time dinner ended.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Caprese Appetizer

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

Fresh and light bites made this the perfect pre-meal dish for any table. Caprese Appetizer worked well for casual snacking or fancy spreads alike. Each piece carried a balance of simple flavors that felt refreshing but filling. Guests didn’t leave a single serving behind.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

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.

Rich layers baked together made this pasta dish unforgettable. Million Dollar Spaghetti worked perfectly alongside garlic bread or with a side of fresh veggies. It was easy to serve and share for big family dinners or potlucks. The pan was wiped clean before anyone could grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic flavors packed in a slow-cooked bowl made this soup a warm favorite. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup worked beautifully as both a starter or main dish. It paired easily with simple breads or light sides. Guests made sure to grab seconds before the pot emptied completely.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy dressing mixed into tender pasta turned this dish into a refreshing meal. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad worked well as a light lunch or shared during big meals. It paired easily with fresh bread or could hold its own. Every serving bowl was emptied sooner than expected.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Savory rolled bites packed with bold filling turned this into a perfect snack. Italian Sub Pinwheels were easy to grab for casual meals or larger gatherings. They paired well with dipping sauces or stood strong on their own. They disappeared quickly from the plate every time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

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.

Tender chicken mixed with soft pasta made it hearty yet simple. Marry Me Chicken Orzo worked perfectly as a quick weekday meal or a comforting dinner choice. It stayed warm and flavorful through every serving. No dish was left untouched once the meal was finished.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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.

Packed with flavor, this sauce turned into a top pairing for everything. Garlic Aioli added just the right touch to sandwiches, grilled meats or roasted veggies. It was simple to serve with any spread without overpowering the meal. Not a drop was left in the serving bowl by the end.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

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.

Creamy scoops with a nutty finish turned this frozen dessert into something unique. Pistachio Ice Cream offered a refreshing option without feeling too heavy after any meal. It worked as a single serving or piled into cones for sharing. Every tub was gone quicker than anyone expected.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Cheese Ravioli

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

Soft and stuffed pasta turned this into a dependable option for any dinner. Cheese Ravioli was easy to plate, whether paired with fresh bread or served with sides. It carried enough filling to stand strong on its own. Not a single ravioli was left untouched by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Three classic flavors packed into one container gave it endless options. Neapolitan Ice Cream worked perfectly when shared with cones or scooped into bowls. It was easy to serve for big groups or casual dinners at home. Every last bit was gone by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Ravioli Casserole

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

Baked and layered this dish brought comfort and flavor to the entire table. Ravioli Casserole was simple to dish up for family-style meals or larger gatherings. It paired beautifully with fresh salads or garlic bread. The pan emptied completely once dinner wrapped up.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Juicy chicken rolled neatly turned into a favorite grab-and-go meal. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap worked perfectly for quick lunches or light dinners. It paired well with chips or fresh veggies for variety. Every wrap was finished long before anyone considered leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Baked Ziti

A spoon scoops baked ziti pasta covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce from a casserole dish.
Baked Ziti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty baked pasta packed with creamy layers made this dish an easy crowd-pleaser. Baked Ziti paired nicely with garlic bread or a simple fresh salad on the side. It worked great for family dinners or hosting friends. Guests cleaned the serving tray before the plates were cleared.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm, rolled bites packed with savory filling turned into the perfect snack. Pizza Pinwheels were easy to make and share during casual gatherings or parties. They kept their shape while carrying bold flavor in every bite. The serving plate emptied quickly than expected.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

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.

Creamy stuffed pasta baked to perfection made it stand out among heavy meals. Three Cheese Manicotti worked well as a main dish or paired with simpler sides for balance. It had just the right mix of richness and comfort for any table. Not a single bite was left untouched.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

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.

Layered ingredients baked together gave a fun take on traditional family meals. Pizza Casserole added bold flavors without being difficult to share or portion. It worked great alongside lighter options or on its own. Everyone grabbed seconds before the pan emptied completely.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

A plate of creamy rotini pasta with shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a spoon placed at the side.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy sauce mixed into cold pasta turned it into something refreshing but filling. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad worked just as well for lunch as it did for potlucks. It balanced hearty and light textures that appealed to everyone. The bowl didn’t last long once the first scoop was served.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Ooni Pizza Dough

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

Soft and chewy this dough made the perfect base for turning any pizza into a homemade favorite. Ooni Pizza Dough carried enough rise to stay light but held up to heavy toppings. It was simple to stretch and bake without much effort. Every slice of pizza created was gone before cleanup started.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Easy Caprese Salad

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

It brought balance to heavier meals while staying satisfying. Easy Caprese Salad worked well as a side plate for any table or on its own. Each bite was fresh enough to refresh the palate but hearty enough to stand out. Guests made sure no serving was left untouched.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

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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