When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like the flavors and aromas of Italy. From rich pasta dishes to savory meatballs and crispy pizzas, Italian cuisine has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these 20 delicious Italian dinner recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Italy, exploring classic dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Peas, Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil, and Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan. We’ll also introduce you to some lesser-known gems, such as Pesto Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts and Pork Saltimbocca with Sage and Prosciutto.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these recipes are sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Peas
A rich and satisfying Italian classic gets a fresh twist with the addition of sweet peas. This recipe combines tender spaghetti, crispy pancetta, and a velvety egg sauce, all in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the bowl with egg mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the bowl in small increments to achieve desired creamy consistency.
6. Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve immediately, topped with crispy pancetta and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil
Create a authentic Italian-style pizza at home with this simple recipe that combines the sweetness of tomato sauce, creaminess of mozzarella cheese, and freshness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl; mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough, shape into a circle or rectangle, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Top with mozzarella cheese and chopped basil.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan
Savor the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish, where tender Arborio rice and earthy mushrooms come together in perfect harmony. This creamy risotto is elevated by the nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. If using wine, add it and cook until absorbed.
6. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
7. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Butter Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a bright and citrusy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Serve the chicken breasts with the lemon butter sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan with Mozzarella and Marinara
A classic Italian-American dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, this Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a crowd-pleaser. By breading and frying eggplant slices and layering them with melted mozzarella cheese and tangy marinara sauce, you’ll create a rich and indulgent main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dip eggplant slices in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded eggplant slices until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a separate baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Arrange fried eggplant slices on top.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the eggplant and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Spinach
Elevate your pasta game with this hearty beef lasagna recipe, featuring creamy ricotta cheese and the added nutrition of spinach. A comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 16 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in marinara sauce; bring to a simmer.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper.
6. Assemble lasagna by spreading meat sauce on the bottom, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers two more times.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese; cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi over Linguine
A classic Italian dish that combines the simplicity of shrimp with the richness of garlic butter, served over a bed of linguine pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces linguine pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to low and add lemon juice, stirring to combine.
5. Add reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic butter sauce.
6. Combine cooked linguine, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
This summer-inspired pasta dish combines the rich flavors of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts for a refreshing twist on traditional gnocchi.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound store-bought or homemade gnocchi
– 1/2 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions or until they float to the surface.
2. In a large skillet, combine the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
3. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss with the pesto mixture until well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Three Cheeses
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of sausage, ziti pasta, and three melted cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 12 oz ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled ricotta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. In a separate pot, combine marinara sauce and olive oil. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, sausage mixture, and marinara sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Osso Buco with Gremolata and Saffron Risotto
Osso Buco, a traditional Italian braised veal shank dish, is elevated to new heights with the addition of aromatic gremolata and creamy saffron risotto.
Ingredients:
For Osso Buco:
– 4 veal shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper
For Gremolata:
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– Salt and pepper
For Saffron Risotto:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season veal shanks with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil, then set aside.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and browned veal shanks. Cover and braise for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
4. Prepare Gremolata by combining parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook Risotto according to package instructions, adding saffron threads and Parmesan cheese towards the end. Serve Osso Buco with Gremolata and Saffron Risotto.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours (braising time) + 20 minutes (risotto cooking time)
Caprese Stuffed Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful Caprese-stuffed chicken breast, served with a rich and tangy balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes and garlic.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with tomato-garlic mixture and mozzarella cheese.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with balsamic glaze drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Seafood Linguine with Clams and White Wine Sauce
A classic seafood dish that combines succulent clams, tender shrimp, and flavorful mussels in a rich white wine sauce, all served over linguine pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
– 2 cups (400ml) fresh or frozen mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
– 1/4 cup (60ml) clam juice
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed seafood, white wine, clam juice, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
4. Combine cooked linguine pasta with the seafood mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Minestrone Soup with Parmesan Crisps
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta, topped with crispy Parmesan crisps.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, kidney beans, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
5. Serve soup hot, topped with Parmesan crisps and chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pork Saltimbocca with Sage and Prosciutto
Pork Saltimbocca with Sage and Prosciutto: A Twist on the Classic Italian Dish
This recipe puts a modern spin on the traditional pork saltimbocca by incorporating crispy prosciutto and fragrant sage into the dish. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 slices prosciutto, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped sage leaves and prosciutto. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Elevate your bread game with this savory and aromatic focaccia infused with roasted garlic and rosemary. Perfect for a rustic snack or as a side to your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cloves roasted garlic, minced (see note)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, roasted garlic, and rosemary to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Note: Roast garlic by preheating oven to 400°F (200°C), cutting the top off of 4-5 cloves, drizzling with olive oil, and baking for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Let it cool before using.
Tiramisu for Dessert with Espresso and Mascarpone
Elevate your dessert game with this classic Italian treat, featuring the rich flavors of espresso and creamy mascarpone.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 8 oz heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso, about 3-5 seconds per side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the whipped mascarpone mixture and vanilla extract.
4. To assemble, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. You may need to trim them to fit the dish.
5. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone on top.
7. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep) + chilling time
Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Creamy Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy marsala sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup marsala wine
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Add marsala wine and heavy cream; stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
A hearty and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of ground beef, rice, and spices. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
4. Add onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
7. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis
Panna cotta, an Italian dessert, is a creamy delight that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of raspberry coulis. This recipe combines the two to create a heavenly treat.
Ingredients:
For the panna cotta:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the raspberry coulis:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
3. Pour mixture into small individual serving cups or ramekins.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
5. For the coulis, combine raspberries, sugar, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
6. Strain seeds from pureed raspberries, if desired.
7. Serve chilled panna cotta with raspberry coulis spooned over.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic salmon dish. The combination of pan-seared salmon, tangy lemon, and savory capers creates a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and top each fillet with lemon juice, capers, and Dijon mustard.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with these 20 delicious dinner recipes, perfect for any occasion. From classic spaghetti carbonara to creamy mushroom risotto, and from homemade margherita pizza to seafood linguine, there’s something for everyone. Discover new favorites like chicken piccata with lemon butter sauce, eggplant parmesan with mozzarella, and osso buco with gremolata and saffron risotto. Complete your meal with roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia bread and finish off with decadent tiramisu or panna cotta.
