37 Must-Try Recipes for Classic Italian Dishes
Classic Italian recipes bring time-honored flavors, blending simplicity with rich ingredients. Each recipe celebrates tradition with hearty sauces, fresh herbs, and authentic flavors.
Italian cuisine offers comforting dishes, from pastas to vibrant seafood, perfect for any occasion. Known for its balance of flavor and aroma, it’s a favorite around the world.
A touch of Italy on your table brings warmth and joy to every meal. Enjoy these 37 classic Italian recipes for a taste of Italy’s culinary heritage:
Beef Braciole With Creamy Polenta
Beef braciole with creamy polenta is a heartwarming Italian dish featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around flavorful stuffing and simmered in rich tomato sauce.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to choose various cuts of beef; however, round roast often yields the most tender results.
This comforting meal pairs beautifully with smooth polenta that complements the savory meat perfectly.
It’s one of those timeless recipes that brings both tradition and warmth to your table.
Cheese Manicotti Skillet
Cheese manicotti skillet brings a comforting taste of Italy to your kitchen, evoking cherished family memories.
This hearty dish features tender pasta shells filled with creamy cheese, all enveloped in rich tomato sauce that warms the soul.
You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making weeknight dinners effortless yet satisfying.
Feel free to swap ingredients for lighter alternatives while maintaining the authentic flavors you love.
Caponata
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish that embodies the beautiful contrast of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.
This vegetable medley features sautéed celery and onion combined with capers and olives to create a rich depth.
The addition of vinegar lends an unmistakable zing that elevates each ingredient's taste profile.
Allowing the dish to rest enhances its flavor fusion even more, making it ideal for sharing alongside crispy breadsticks or as part of an antipasto platter.
Sun-Dried Tomato And Chicken Florentine Pasta
Sun-dried tomato and chicken Florentine pasta is a creamy delight that brings Italian comfort to your dining table.
The rich Parmesan sauce, complemented by melted mozzarella, forms a luscious base while fresh spinach and bell peppers add vibrancy.
This dish comes together in around half an hour, making it the go-to option for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet quick to prepare.
For those looking for variety, swapping out chicken for juicy steak offers an exciting alternative without compromising on flavor or ease of preparation.
Pasta Fagioli Al Forno
Pasta fagioli al forno embodies the heart of Italian comfort food, showcasing a combination of baked pasta and beans. This dish features a rich tomato sauce infused with spices and herbs like red pepper flakes, basil leaves, and oregano that enhance its character.
Rich layers of two types of cheese melt beautifully during baking, creating a creamy texture that complements each bite. Start by sautéing onions, celery, carrots, and garlic to build a savory foundation before mixing in the remaining ingredients for an unforgettable flavor profile.
Serve it alongside crusty bread for scooping up every delicious morsel; it's an inviting centerpiece perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Crispy chicken parmesan features tender, thinly flattened chicken breasts that are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection.
This dish stands out with its layers of rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a hearty meal that's sure to please any crowd.
Preparing the chicken involves flattening it for even cooking while setting up an efficient breading station with flour, eggs mixed with cream, and breadcrumbs ensures every piece gets just the right amount of coating.
Once fried until crispy, you'll layer the ingredients in your baking dish: starting with marinara sauce followed by the succulent chicken topped off generously with more sauce and bubbling mozzarella.
Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta alla norma highlights the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine, featuring a harmonious blend of roasted eggplant and robust marinara sauce.
Utilizing roasted instead of fried eggplant makes this dish not only lighter but also easier to prepare, streamlining your cooking process.
The fresh basil adds an aromatic touch that elevates the overall taste experience.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this pasta in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Italian Tomato Sauce
Italian tomato sauce is a cornerstone of traditional Italian cooking, celebrated for its rich and hearty texture.
It draws on simple ingredients that create an authentic flavor profile when simmered gently over time.
The aromatic blend of oregano, mint leaves, and basil infuses the sauce with a refreshing quality, while onion and garlic add depth to each bite.
Extra virgin olive oil plays a crucial role in harmonizing the acidity from ripe tomatoes, resulting in a well-rounded taste that enhances various dishes like pasta or pizza.
Whipped Ricotta Dip
Whipped ricotta dip is a smooth and creamy appetizer that stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Crafted with just four essential ingredients, this delectable spread pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, crunchy crackers, or artisan bread.
In mere five minutes, you can create an inviting dip perfect for entertaining or casual snacking at home.
It also serves as an excellent addition to sandwiches, providing richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Caprese Chicken
Caprese chicken features tender, juicy chicken topped with layers of melted cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, all drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction. This dish effortlessly combines elegance and simplicity, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Start by browning the chicken to perfection before generously layering on your favorite cheese slices alongside the flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. A brief stint in the oven ensures everything melds beautifully while creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Topping this masterpiece with a luscious balsamic glaze adds an irresistible finishing touch that enhances every bite.
Bellini
Bellini is a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of Italian brunch culture with its delightful combination of sparkling prosecco and luscious peach purée. This drink stands out for its simplicity, requiring just two ingredients to create a vibrant beverage that's both elegant and enjoyable.
Begin by peeling fresh peaches, removing their pits, and pureeing them until silky smooth. Chilling the peach purée ensures a perfectly cool drink when mixed in equal parts with bubbly prosecco.
Served in a champagne flute, this effervescent treat adds an inviting touch to any gathering while satisfying your thirst for something special.
Calzones
Calzones are an Italian pastry stuffed with an array of savory fillings, often including cheese and various toppings.
The charm of calzones lies in their pocket-like shape, providing a satisfying alternative to traditional pizza.
Preparing these hand-held delights can be as simple or elaborate as you wish; using pre-made dough allows for quick assembly while still delivering on flavor.
You have the freedom to stuff them with your preferred ingredients like rich mozzarella, fresh basil, zesty sauce, or colorful peppers for added crunch and taste.
Turkey Tetrazzini With Spinach
Turkey tetrazzini is a comforting casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a satisfying dish.
Featuring tender egg noodles, this recipe combines a rich and creamy white sauce with vibrant spinach, peas, and mushrooms to create layers of flavor.
It's an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers while introducing fresh vegetables for added texture and nutrition.
Stromboli
Stromboli is a savory rolled Italian dish that often features a tasty filling of meats and cheeses.
Utilizing leftover pizza dough makes it both practical and delicious, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Stuff this indulgent treat with ingredients like ham, pepperoni, salami, and generous amounts of mozzarella cheese for a satisfying experience.
After rolling it up tightly and baking until golden brown, you’ll be rewarded with beautifully sliced pieces ready to serve warm.
Mushroom Risotto With Rosemary
Mushroom risotto with rosemary highlights the creamy richness of traditional Italian cuisine. Known for its meticulous cooking process, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that impresses every time.
The key lies in using warm broth; this technique ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors without rushing through it. Mustard brings an unexpected yet delightful zing to each spoonful, enhancing the overall taste experience.
With aromatic rosemary as its centerpiece, serving this risotto is sure to leave your guests enchanted by both its aroma and depth of flavor.
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad can be an ideal appetizer or side dish.
Packed with creamy mozzarella cheese, savory salami, and fresh vegetables, each forkful is elevated by a zesty herb vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully.
Preparing this dish in generous portions ensures you have enough to serve at gatherings or enjoy throughout the week for lunch.
The colorful presentation not only entices but also adds vibrancy to any table setting while providing wholesome satisfaction without being heavy.
Florentine Steak
Florentine steak, known as "bistecca alla Fiorentina," embodies the spirit of Italian dining with its emphasis on quality and simplicity. This dish features a thick-cut porterhouse steak that is lightly seasoned to let the natural flavors shine through.
Using only olive oil, salt, and pepper enhances the meat’s rich taste without overpowering it. Typically shared among friends or family, this preparation invites communal enjoyment around the table.
Pairing it with roasted potatoes or a fresh Italian salad adds an appealing touch to your meal experience while complementing each bite of succulent beef beautifully.
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed pasta shells are a great dinner option that combines fun shapes with savory flavors, making them appealing to both children and adults.
These shell-shaped delights entice even the pickiest eaters with their creamy ricotta and Parmesan filling nestled within rich meat sauce.
Once assembled, a generous layer of melted mozzarella crowns each shell for an irresistible finish.
Baking transforms these ingredients into a comforting dish that's sure to satisfy your family at mealtime while creating lasting memories around the table.
Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread
Rosemary garlic focaccia is a delightful bread featuring a crispy crust and an invitingly soft interior. Infused with aromatic rosemary and the rich flavor of fresh garlic, this Italian classic elevates any meal or snack.
Using simple ingredients like olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper transforms basic dough into something extraordinary in just a short time. The aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes will entice anyone nearby to join you for a taste.
Perfect alongside soups or as a base for sandwiches, this recipe captures the essence of Italian comfort food that you'll find yourself making again and again.
Pizzette With Prawns
Pizzette with prawns are mini pizzas that elevate any gathering with their fun size and fresh flavors. These bite-sized treats serve as a fantastic appetizer or finger food, ideal for entertaining friends during celebrations.
Using store-bought pizza dough simplifies the preparation process, allowing you to focus on toppings like cheese, tomatoes, and Parmesan sprinkled over each dough circle. A finishing touch of basil and a drizzle of olive oil after baking enhances the taste profile beautifully.
Feel free to get creative by experimenting with various toppings that suit your palate; the addition of spicy ingredients paired with succulent prawns adds an exciting twist you won't want to miss.
Tuscan Chicken
Tuscan chicken is a one-pan meal that captures the essence of Italian comfort food with minimal effort. Featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers bold flavors that elevate any weeknight dinner.
You can serve it on its own for an easy option or pair it beautifully with spaghetti to create a satisfying feast. The simplicity of ingredients doesn’t compromise the taste; each bite offers a delicious experience you’ll want to revisit regularly.
When time is tight but quality matters, Tuscan chicken stands out as an ideal choice for your table.
Muffuletta
Muffuletta is a hearty sandwich originating from New Orleans, distinguished by its generous layers of meats and fresh ingredients. At the heart of this delightful creation lies a vibrant olive salad that elevates each bite with an explosion of flavor.
Mixing peppers, capers, olives, garlic, giardiniera, and parsley in your food processor yields the perfect spread for both sides of crusty bread. Following this flavorful base comes a careful stacking of capicola, mortadella, provolone cheese, and soppressata, ensuring every layer harmonizes beautifully together.
This Italian-American classic offers you a satisfying taste experience unlike any other as it melds robust tastes into one unforgettable meal.
Creamy Chicken Roulade With Spinach And Mushrooms
Creamy chicken roulade with spinach and mushrooms presents a delightful way to transform ordinary chicken breasts into an impressive meal.
Stuffing tender chicken with fresh, crisp spinach and earthy sautéed mushrooms creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Encased in a golden-brown breadcrumb layer, this dish not only looks stunning but also delivers satisfying crunchiness.
Finished off with a luscious Alfredo sauce, it adds the perfect creamy touch that complements the filling beautifully.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is a culinary gem originating from Naples, celebrated for its authentic and straightforward approach.
Its distinct feature lies in the handmade dough that creates a perfect crust, making it easy to replicate at home.
The sauce utilizes canned tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella and aromatic basil leaves, capturing the heart of Italian flavors without unnecessary complexity.
Crafting this dish brings an iconic taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a rich coffee beverage that highlights the luxurious combination of espresso and velvety steamed milk topped with froth.
This iconic drink stands out for its creamy texture, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Crafting this delightful cup requires just some quality beans, water, and ideally a cappuccino maker to achieve that perfect foam.
Mastery lies in creating the ideal microfoam; it's what transforms an ordinary cup into an extraordinary experience at any time of day.
Strawberry Nutella Pizza
Strawberry Nutella pizza is a delightful dessert that harmonizes the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella with fresh, juicy strawberries.
This innovative take on traditional pizza offers a sweet twist that’s hard to resist.
After baking your dough until golden brown, letting it cool slightly allows for the perfect base for toppings.
If you’re looking to switch things up beyond strawberries and Nutella, bananas and dark chocolate chips make excellent alternatives or try pairing peanut butter with blueberries for another delicious combination.
Classic Roman Herbed Potato Pizza
Classic Roman herbed potato pizza features a wonderfully thin and crispy crust that sets it apart from traditional pizzas. Topped with delicate slices of potatoes, each layer is infused with fragrant herbs and drizzled in quality olive oil, creating a savory delight that's hard to resist.
This dish captures the essence of Roman cuisine while being straightforward enough for any home cook to master. The baking process brings out the richness of flavors, resulting in a golden finish that tempts your taste buds.
Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe will bring Italian flair right to your kitchen table.
Italian Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate is a luxurious beverage known for its thick and creamy texture, setting it apart from typical instant mixes.
This indulgent drink uses real dark chocolate to create a deep, rich flavor that transports you straight to the charming cafes of Italy.
By incorporating whole milk and sugar, I craft a sweet delight that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
Perfectly suited for chilly evenings or as an afternoon treat, this recipe invites warmth into every moment shared with friends or family over steaming cups.
Tuscan Seafood Stew
Tuscan seafood stew, known as cacciucco, embodies the essence of coastal flavors with its rich mix of ocean treasures.
This dish highlights five varieties of seafood,representing each 'c' in its name, though you can tailor it to your preferences by selecting your favorite catches from the sea.
Enhanced with aromatic ingredients such as parsley, garlic, sage leaves, and a splash of red wine vinegar creates a flavorful base that’s both hearty and comforting.
A touch of red pepper flakes introduces a gentle heat that harmonizes beautifully with the other elements.
Italian Salad
Italian salad is a wholesome dish that perfectly complements your favorite pasta or stands out as a quick, healthy lunch option.
The magic lies in its homemade dressing crafted from fresh herbs like basil and oregano, blended seamlessly with olive oil and red wine vinegar for an irresistible flavor boost.
Crisp romaine lettuce pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes, crunchy carrots, vibrant olives, and sweet bell peppers to create a colorful medley of vegetables.
For added richness, crumbled feta cheese brings another layer of taste that elevates the overall experience.
Sausage Arugula Pizza
Sausage arugula pizza brings a creative twist to traditional flavors with its crisp crust and savory toppings.
This unique dish features peppery arugula, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of sausage, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
The nutty profile of fresh arugula complements the gooey mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
For those who prefer convenience, store-bought dough works just as well as homemade options for crafting this enticing meal at home.
Tomato And Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Tomato and mozzarella caprese salad features a refreshing combination of ripe cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella balls.
This dish captures the essence of Italian summer with its vibrant colors and bright flavors, making it an ideal appetizer or side.
Combining fresh herbs with diced red onion adds depth to each bite, while a drizzle of herb-infused garlic dressing ties everything together beautifully.
You’ll find that this salad not only appeals visually but also delivers a satisfying crunch alongside the softness of cheese and tomatoes.
Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Olive Garden Alfredo sauce is a creamy delight that brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This simple yet indulgent recipe requires just four ingredients: heavy cream, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
The key to achieving that silky texture lies in ensuring the butter and cream mixture reaches a boil before gradually incorporating the cheese. By adding it little by little, you’ll create a smooth sauce without lumps or clumps.
Perfect for pasta dishes or drizzling over vegetables, this homemade version will have you savoring every bite long after you've finished cooking.
Italian Meatballs
Italian meatballs are a staple in many kitchens, renowned for their juicy texture and robust flavor.
Crafting these savory bites involves the unique combination of three meats: beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage.
This blend not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a delightful mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
An essential technique I recommend is making a panada, a simple mixture of milk and breadcrumbs, which keeps your meatballs moist during cooking.
Lasagna
Lasagna stands out as a quintessential comfort dish, offering layers of rich flavors and textures that many crave. This recipe takes the traditional approach and simplifies it for those busy evenings when time is limited yet satisfaction is essential.
By utilizing pre-cooked noodles and ready-made marinara sauce, you streamline the process without sacrificing taste. The harmonious blend of lasagna noodles with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience that's hard to resist.
Baking it all together results in an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while you unwind with your favorite Italian red wine.
Creamy Garlic Salmon
Creamy garlic salmon is a sophisticated dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort.
With its rich, buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic, this recipe transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-quality meal.
The skillet method not only ensures those enticing crispy edges but also seals in moisture for maximum tenderness.
As you prepare it quickly, you'll appreciate how an elegant presentation can elevate any dining experience without extensive culinary skills required.
Osso Buco
Osso buco features tender braised veal shanks slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce.
This traditional dish from Northern Italy stands out for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic blend of vegetables and spices, making it an ideal choice for meal prep as the flavors deepen overnight.
You can serve this hearty creation alongside saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese or complement it with roasted asparagus to enhance your dining experience.
With its robust taste, osso buco is sure to impress anyone who enjoys authentic Italian cuisine without much effort.