Let’s be real: saucy and cheesy is the perfect combo. With these 21 Italian recipes, you’ll never look at pasta the same way again. From cheesy pastas to saucy, gooey creations, each recipe is designed to keep you coming back for more. It’s almost impossible to resist that cheesy pull or the creamy sauce that coats every bite. With these dishes, your weeknight meals will feel like an Italian feast every time.
Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
Who knew stale bread could lead to something so incredible? With a mix of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite. Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of texture and taste. It’s all about making do with what you have, turning less-fresh ingredients into a feast. Next time you think about tossing that day-old bread, remember this classic that brings it back to life in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
Chicken Cacciatore
It’s hearty, full of flavor, and feels like it’s wrapped you in a warm embrace. Ever have one of those days where you just need a hug in the form of food? That’s where Chicken Cacciatore steps in. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines elements that cook down into pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of home, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers
Picture your kitchen filled with the aromas of simmering sausage and peppers. Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers is all about set-it-and-forget-it. It’s your go-to for busy days when you still want a meal that tastes like a weekend project. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let time do the rest. You’ll be greeted with a dish that’s both simple and spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers
Nonna’s Pastina Soup
When you’re feeling under the weather, or just in need of some culinary comfort, there’s nothing quite like Nonna’s Pastina Soup. It’s like a warm hug from your Italian grandmother, even if you never had one. Gentle on the stomach yet satisfying, it delivers warmth in every spoonful. This soup isn’t just food; it’s medicine for the soul. It’s the first thing you’ll crave when the chill sets in or you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Nonna’s Pastina Soup
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Ever crave that creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce from your favorite Italian chain? Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce brings that restaurant magic right to your kitchen. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it clings to pasta like you wouldn’t believe. Perfect for a romantic dinner or when you just want to treat yourself. You no longer have to go out to enjoy the creamy goodness of this classic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich marries simplicity with fresh, vibrant taste. Juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, and lush mozzarella come together in a harmony of flavors. It’s perfect for a lunch that feels both decadent and easy to pull together. Transform your meal times with something that’s straightforward yet spectacularly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Italian Wedding Soup
There’s something about Italian Wedding Soup that feels like you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition. Each spoonful is a mix of rich broth, tender meatballs, and just the right amount of greens. It’s not just for weddings; it’s a staple for any day you need a little extra warmth. This soup manages to be both light and filling, a testament to its perfectly balanced ingredients. It’s the recipe you turn to when you want a taste of celebration.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Sausage Parmigiana
Craving something that’s both hearty and cheesy? Sausage Parmigiana has got you covered. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with layers of flavor that come together in a delicious way. Whether you’re sitting down for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress. It’s a no-fuss recipe that pays off with every single bite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana
Pizza Pasta Salad
For those days when you can’t decide between pizza and pasta, Pizza Pasta Salad offers the perfect solution. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, offering a twist on traditional pasta salad. This dish is a hit at potlucks and parties, serving up familiar flavors in an unexpected form. It’s like your favorite slice and pasta dish had a delicious baby. Plus, it’s customizable to cater to whatever you’re craving.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Looking for a way to spruce up your chicken dinner? Grilled Bruschetta Chicken combines the charm of grilled chicken with the fresh punch of tomato bruschetta. It’s a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, perfect for those nights when you want something quick yet fulfilling. This dish brings the essence of Italian dish to your plate. It’s straightforward, fresh, and utterly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings the beloved creamy, seafood-packed pasta to your table. It’s the sort of dish that makes any night feel special. Impress guests or treat yourself; either way, it’s a win. And who doesn’t love the addition of succulent shrimp to their creamy pasta? Why go out when you can whip up your favorite restaurant dish at home?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Baked Pesto Salmon
If you’re after something that speaks to the heart of Italian cooking while embracing a healthier side, Baked Pesto Salmon should be on your menu. It’s about pairing the rich, oily goodness of salmon with the bright notes of pesto. This dish proves that fast and healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. It’s a weeknight savior that feels gourmet. The combination of flavors and textures will have you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Fun in a bowl is the best way to describe Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. It’s all about celebrating the bounty of the garden with a simple, yet utterly gratifying dish. Perfect for when you want something light but bursting with flavor. This pasta dish stands as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most memorable meals. It’s a go-to for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Zuppa Toscana Soup
For a taste of Tuscany that’s hearty enough to stand as a meal itself, Zuppa Toscana Soup fits the bill. It’s a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s packed with texture and depth of flavor. There’s just something about this soup that feels indulgent, yet it’s entirely suitable for a cozy night in. With every spoonful, you’re transported to the rolling hills of Italy. It’s robust, gratifying, and the epitome of comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup
Pizza Sauce
Sure, you could grab a jar from the store, but why not take your homemade pizza to the next level with Pizza Sauce that’s made from scratch? It’s surprisingly simple and infinitely better than anything pre-made. This sauce is all about the loving touch, transforming your pizza base into something extraordinary. It’s the backbone of any great pizza, infusing each bite with authentic Italian flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Chicken Piccata
Ever in the mood for something with a bit of a tang? Chicken Piccata offers that perfect balance of flavors, with a tangy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. It’s a dish that manages to be both elegant and easy to make. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself to something a bit special. It’s a testament to the power of a few well-chosen ingredients to create a truly memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Nothing quite says comfort like Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. It’s a skillet dish that packs a punch, with gratifying gnocchi, flavorful sausage, and just the right amount of greens. This dish is a weeknight warrior, coming together quickly without sacrificing any depth of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and hearty, yet still leaves you feeling good after. If you’re looking for a way to shake up your dinner routine, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
For those nights when only a classic will do, Authentic Bolognese Sauce is your answer. It’s a slow-cooked marvel that’s rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. This sauce isn’t just about throwing together ingredients; it’s an act of love, simmered to perfection. It turns the simple act of eating pasta into an occasion. Once you’ve experienced the depth and richness of this sauce, you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Tuscan Soup with Sausage
Craving a taste of Italy but stuck in your kitchen? Tuscan Soup with Sausage is like a passport in a bowl. It brings together rich flavors and hearty ingredients for a meal that’s both nourishing and soul-gratifying. It’s a robust soup that makes no apologies for its boldness. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something to warm you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
If you’re looking for something light yet indulgent, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce should be on your radar. It’s a dish that combines the pillowy softness of gnocchi with a light, tasty sauce. The freshness of the lemon paired with the richness of Parmesan cheese creates a perfect culinary balance. It’s ideal for those days when you want something satisfying without feeling weighed down. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Classic Caprese Salad
There’s nothing quite like the simple elegance of a Classic Caprese Salad. It’s a testament to the power of using quality ingredients in their prime. Fresh, juicy tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves – it’s a match made in heaven. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or side, this salad is fun time on a plate. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
