Are you craving something Italian? Perhaps you are like me and always craving something Italian? 😉 If you live to eat things like pasta primavera, spaghetti, piccata and all things parmesan, then do we ever have an amazing recipe list for you. Having spent a few months researching the best Italian recipes on Pinterest and from my favorite food bloggers, I narrowed it down to 50 top picks. If you need some tried and true Italian recipes to add to your menu, then check out these amazing dishes. Whether you are looking for breakfast ideas, lunch recipes to take to work, easy dinners to make for one or even a crowd, we have lots of foods to choose from. Then dessert, we can’t forget about that, so we included cookies, doughnuts, and Italian cakes to satisfy your sweets craving. Complete with gorgeous photos and foolproof follow along tutorials, you will be serving the best Italian meal around in no time! Turn on Dean Martin “That’s Amore” or some Italian opera and get busy in the kitchen with these 50 Italian recipe favorites.
Our favorite Italian quote of the day:
tutto finisce a tarallucci e vino* (it all ends with biscuits and wine)*
50 Best Italian Recipes
2. Frutti di Mare
Talk about a fantastic looking dish! I am a huge fan of all the clams, mussels and other sea creatures, so I am surely bookmarking this one and making it this weekend. It looks so healthy and tasty with the seafood and tomato sauce. Totally the perfect dinner for me and my hubby.
3. Ragù alla Bolognese
If you’re looking for an authentic Ragù recipe, you will definitely love this one from Philosokitchen. This just might be the best Bolognese you will have. It’s flavorful, light and simple. Learn how to cook this recipe by reading the full tutorial.
4. Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Piccata
I have made this dish repeatedly since I found it. Chicken Picatta is my all time favorite comfort food and this recipe is the very best in light cooking. So delicious, you would want to jump in the picatta train! Cafe Delites nailed it with this amazingly good recipe.
6. Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are easy, flavorful and I love that you can make them ahead of time since they keep well in the fridge. The great thing is that it gets even more scrumptious as the flavors marinate over time. They are just my favorite to bring on summer barbecues, parties, and potlucks. Learn how to make these by following along with the full recipe from Life Made Sweeter.
7. Bomboloni – Italian Doughnuts
Did anybody say doughnuts? I simply cannot resist them so when I chanced upon this recipe of Italian doughnuts, I just had to make them. Bomboloni as they are called in Italy, are doughnuts that are fried, coated in granulated sugar, and traditionally stuffed with pastry cream. How can you say no to this delightful treat?
9. Italian Roasted Potatoes
Wow, these baby potatoes are looking insanely delicious. The color it took after cooking is simply mouth-watering. All the flavors work beautifully. They are super delicious, I would be making them again and again.
10. Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables
Here’s the perfect Italian side dish you can make any time. And did I mention it’s gluten-free? Weight-watchers, rejoice! It’s the perfect gluten-free side dish you can whip up in minutes. Tasty and colorful, it also has a delicious aroma and a flavor that won’t disappoint.
11. Italian Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Do you love best italian recipes? This italian chicken meal prep bowls recipe is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the meal prep bowls. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Eazypeazymealz has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
12. Befanini
I am a big fan of an easy tutorial, and this befanini recipe is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from 196flavors at the link.
13. Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
This tomato & basil bruschetta recipe is simple, quick, and exactly the homemade treats I keep coming back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Vegecravings to see every step.
14. Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Why not try a copycat recipe the easy way? This italian sausage rigatoni recipe makes it simple. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Urbanblisslife for the complete recipe.
15. Tortellini Soup With Italian Sausage and Spinach
Tortellini Soup With Italian Sausage and Spinach – yes please. This one delivers on step by step instructions without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Yellowblissroad’s full tutorial for all the details.
16. Italian Crescent Casserole
This is an easy recipe, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the italian crescent casserole. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Eatwheat has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
18. Mussels in Spicy Red Arrabbiata Sauce
Give this mussels in spicy red arrabbiata sauce recipe a try the next time you want recipe ideas. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Kitchenswagger to see every step.
19. Garlic Butter Italian Sausage Sandwiches
littlekitchenbigworld
This garlic butter italian sausage sandwiches recipe nails dinner ideas, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the italian sausage sandwiches. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Try it yourself with our full recipe tutorial.
20. Italian Skillet Chicken With Tomatoes and Mushrooms
My family always asks for seasonal recipe ideas like this, and this italian skillet chicken with tomatoes and mushrooms recipe is one we keep making. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Themediterraneandish’s full tutorial for all the details.
21. Easy Beefaroni
Ever crave fall recipe ideas? This easy beefaroni recipe is the one I keep going back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Cupcakesandkalechips has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
22. Slow Cooker Italian Beef
I have always loved a clear how-to, and this slow cooker italian beef recipe is a great example why. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Thechunkychef at the link.
23. Best Italian Marinara Sauce
This best italian marinara sauce recipe is quick, easy, and a real win for an easy tutorial. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Ciaoflorentina to see every step.
24. Ravioli With Garlic Basil Oil
Why make it complicated? This ravioli with garlic basil oil recipe keeps best italian recipes simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the garlic basil oil. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Goeatandrepeat for the complete recipe.
25. Italian Sandwich Roll-Ups
Italian Sandwich Roll-Ups? Sign me up. This is a copycat recipe done right. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Check out Happygoluckyblog’s full tutorial for all the details.
26. 20 Minute Tortellini Pasta Carbonara
Here is step by step instructions, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Thechunkychef has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
27. Chiacchiere Fried Italian Pastries
From a quiet night in to a full house, this chiacchiere fried italian pastries recipe works if you love an easy recipe. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the fried italian pastries. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Thebakingfairy at the link.
28. Brodetto Di Pesce
Try this brodetto di pesce recipe next time you’re after easy recipes. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Culinaryginger to see every step.
29. Rustic Italian Pizza Dough
Ciaoflorentina really knows recipe ideas, and this rustic italian pizza dough recipe shows it. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Ciaoflorentina for the complete recipe.
30. Chocolate Italian Sponge Cake
Around here, this chocolate italian sponge cake recipe disappears fast whenever I make seasonal recipe ideas. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Aseasyasapplepie’s full tutorial for all the details.
31. Italian Sausage and Peppers
Looking for fall recipe ideas that actually works? This italian sausage and peppers recipe is it. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Spicysouthernkitchen has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
32. Creamy Mushroom Soup with Italian Sausage
I will admit it, I am obsessed with a clear how-to, and this creamy mushroom soup with italian sausage recipe proves it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the soup italian sausage. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Pinchhttps: at the link.
34. Italian Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari
No need to overthink homemade treats – this italian seafood pasta with mussels & calamari recipe is refreshingly simple. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Cooksmarts for the complete recipe.
35. Italian Braised Chicken
Italian Braised Chicken, and it is a good one. Just a copycat recipe, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the italian braised chicken. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Rasamalaysia’s full tutorial for all the details.
36. Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon
I do not think I will ever get tired of step by step instructions like this. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Fromachefskitchen has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
37. Pane Bianco
Weeknight, weekend, or a crowd – this pane bianco recipe covers an easy recipe either way. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Redstaryeast at the link.
38. Osso Buco
Put this osso buco recipe on your list next time you want best italian recipes. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Philosokitchen to see every step.
39. Italian Green Salad
Credit where it is due – Cookingwithmammac really delivers on an easy tutorial, this italian green salad recipe included. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Cookingwithmammac for the complete recipe.
40. Orzo With Italian Sausage and Peppers
We go through homemade treats like this quickly at my house, and this orzo with italian sausage and peppers recipe is a favorite. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the italian sausage peppers. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Check out Tasteandtellblog’s full tutorial for all the details.
41. Focaccia Di Genova
Craving a copycat recipe without much effort? This focaccia di genova recipe has you covered. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. 196flavors has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
42. Easy Stromboli
Count me as a fan of step by step instructions – this easy stromboli recipe is proof. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Southernbite at the link.
43. Stuffed Italian Flank Steak
This stuffed italian flank steak recipe is about as easy as an easy tutorial gets. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the italian flank steak. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Thechunkychef to see every step.
44. Porchetta
Skip the fuss – this porchetta recipe is homemade treats done the easy way. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Carolinescooking for the complete recipe.
46. Italian Style Chicken Mozzarella Skillet
There is a reason I keep making an easy tutorial like this one. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Kyleecooks has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
47. Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin
Big party or just for yourself, this eggplant and italian sausage gratin recipe nails homemade treats. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Thecafesucrefarine at the link.
48. Italian Wedding Soup
Make this italian wedding soup recipe your go-to next time you want a copycat recipe. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the italian wedding soup. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Goodinthesimple to see every step.
49. Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers
Savorytooth’s take on an easy tutorial is a good one, and this easy italian stuffed peppers recipe is why. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Savorytooth for the complete recipe.
50. Spaghetti Olio E Aglio
foodretro
This is the kind of homemade treats my family requests on repeat, and this spaghetti olio e aglio recipe delivers. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. The complete step by step version is linked above.
