You don’t need a passport to enjoy the comfort and charm of Italian dining. With these 17 recipes, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a little village surrounded by rolling hills and a warm breeze. From simple, classic meals to ones that’ll make you want to break out the pasta maker, these dishes will make you forget you’re not actually in Italy. Who needs a plane when you’ve got these recipes at your fingertips?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you’ve ever wanted a meal that warms you up from the inside out, you’re in for a treat. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. When you spoon into Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s not just a meal; it feels like a moment straight out of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Every bite is a blend of tender chicken and soft gnocchi, making it hard not to reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Ever craved that rich and creamy Alfredo sauce from your favorite Italian restaurant but didn’t want to leave the house? Well, whipping up Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce might just make you the hero of your own dining room. It’s astonishingly easy to make and brings that restaurant-quality taste right into your own meals. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it coats your favorite pasta perfectly, creating a simple yet unforgettable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Italian Chicken
Imagine that you’re looking for a dish that’s simple, yet unmistakably Italian, something that’s going to be a hit with everyone. That’s where Italian Chicken comes into play. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need bells and whistles to make it stand out. The flavors do all the talking here, with a beautiful balance between herbs, tomatoes, and juicy chicken. Serving this on your dining table is like opening a window straight to a sunny Italian village.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Pesto Orzo Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? Definitely not when you mix up Pesto Orzo Salad. This dish is a game changer, turning what you expect from a salad on its head with its bold flavors and gratifying textures. It’s the perfect side dish for those who love a little Italian flair in their meal, or even as a main on those warmer days when heavy food just won’t do. Fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious, it’s like a summer holiday in Italy, all in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
There’s something about shrimp Alfredo that just feels special, like a treat you save for a particular night. Now imagine making Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo right in your own kitchen, bringing that special feeling home whenever you want. It’s creamy, it’s decadent, and the shrimp? Absolutely perfect. This dish doesn’t just feed your hunger; it transports your dining table to a small, buzzing Italian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
When you need something warm and comforting, tomato soup is a classic go-to. But not just any tomato soup, Oven Roasted Tomato Soup brings a depth of flavor that’s both rustic and sophisticated. It’s like each spoonful tells a story of sun-ripened tomatoes slow roasted to perfection. Pair it with a crispy grilled cheese, and suddenly you’re not just having dinner; you’re indulging in an experience that’s both simple and sumptuous.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Now, if you’re after something that screams Italian luxury without the fuss, then Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka has got you covered. This dish is all about transforming pantry basics into something that wouldn’t be out of place in an Italian trattoria. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it has just the right kick. Whether it’s date night or just a weekday meal, serving this promises an evening where the flavors are as vibrant as the conversation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Chicken Piccata
Sometimes, you’re in the mood for something that’s both light and tasty, and that’s when Chicken Piccata comes to the rescue. It balances the juiciness of chicken with the punchy flavors of capers and lemon, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without being overly complicated to make. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a night in, it’s like bringing a slice of Italian elegance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Pizza Pasta Salad
Ever wondered what happens when you take all the beloved flavors of pizza and transform them into a pasta salad? Pizza Pasta Salad is your answer, and it’s as fun to eat as it sounds. This dish is a hit at gatherings, turning heads with its bold flavors and playful twist on traditional pasta salad. It’s versatile, easy to make, and lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a dash of whimsy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
When you crave something hearty, with that home-cooked perfection, Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is like striking gold. It’s robust and filled with the comforting flavors of Italian sausages and sweet peppers. This dish is a testament to the simplicity of Italian cooking, turning a few quality ingredients into something that’s both gratifying and deeply flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce hits all the right notes. It’s quick, it’s fresh, and it showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something wonderful. This dish is a reminder of summer days and the sweet, tangy taste of cherry tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, promising a meal that’s both easy to make and hard to forget. Every forkful feels like a burst of sunshine, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
On days when you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of some comfort, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup comes to the rescue. It’s hearty, it’s full of flavor, and it’s like a warm embrace in a bowl. This soup is a tribute to the kind of cooking that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. It’s packed with soul-soothing goodness and is guaranteed to lift spirits with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Looking for something a tad more adventurous for dinner tonight? Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe might just be your ticket. It’s a dish that packs a punch, combining the soft, pillowy goodness of gnocchi with the bold flavors of sausage and the distinct taste of broccoli rabe. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both gratifying and surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s a meal that promises to leave you feeling content.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a celebration in a bowl, combining delicate meatballs with tender greens in a clear, tasty broth. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and light, making it perfect for any meal where you want to feel a bit special. This soup has a way of making an ordinary day feel like a gathering, welcoming everyone to the table with open arms. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the most joy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
When you’re in the mood for something that screams comfort without the heaviness, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is the way to go. This dish is a masterclass in balancing flavors – the freshness of tomatoes paired with creamy ricotta and pasta. It’s a dish that’s as easy to pull together as it is delicious to eat, perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that’s both comforting and light.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Tortellini Soup with Sausage
For those chilly evenings when you’re looking for something hearty to warm up with, Tortellini Soup with Sausage is your answer. This soup combines the richness of sausage with the comforting feel of tortellini in a tasty broth, creating a meal that’s both gratifying and deeply flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a bowl. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm food blanket, one that’s flavored with the essence of Italy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Classic Caprese Salad
Sometimes, the beauty of Italian cuisine lies in its simplicity, and Classic Caprese Salad is the epitome of that. With just a few high-quality ingredients, this dish manages to capture the essence of Italian summers. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to assemble, making it the perfect starter or side for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that always feels a little bit special.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
