Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes. From creamy pastas and hearty risottos to carbonaras and savory meats, Italy offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights. In this guide, we’ll explore 18 classic Italian main dishes that capture the essence of this beloved cuisine, perfect for bringing a taste of Italy to your table.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked ziti casserole is a classic Italian dish with tubular pasta, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and visible herbs in a white baking dish—a true comfort food favorite.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A hearty dish bursting with layers of gooey melted cheese, savory Italian sausage, and perfectly baked ziti noodles. This crowd-pleasing classic is simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy rice is perfectly combined with earthy mushrooms and savory sausage for an irresistibly rich and flavorful dish. A beautifully balanced recipe for serious risotto lovers.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

Plate of arancini with marinara and broccolini blurred in background.
Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Golden, crispy rice balls filled with a mozzarella center and served alongside tender broccolini and vibrant marinara sauce. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Indulge in a low-carb twist on a classic Italian favorite. This creamy carbonara is made keto-friendly while still oozing deliciousness with eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rich Alfredo sauce cloaks tender spaghetti and nutrient-packed broccoli, creating a creamy dish that feels luxurious and wholesome at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Spaghetti Arrabbiata is twirled on a black plate on a white marble counter.
Spaghetti Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

If you love a spicy kick, this is the recipe for you! A bold and fiery tomato sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti for a dish full of flavor and excitement.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Kick back and relax while your slow cooker does the work. This tender, slow-cooked lamb pairs beautifully with a rich tomato-based ragu sauce for the ultimate cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy, luscious, and loaded with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil. This bisque will warm you from the inside out on the chilliest of days!
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

A person's hand picking up a slice of bruschetta al pomodoro.
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crispy bread is topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, olive oil, and a touch of garlic. It’s light, fresh, and so simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Loaded with sausage, kale, and tender potatoes, this soup is both hearty and comforting. The slow cooker makes it easy to whip up a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

A pot of pasta e fagioli soup with pasta, beans, carrots, and herbs, stirred with a wooden spoon. Basil garnish on top. A bowl of red pepper flakes nearby.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

An Italian staple, this dish features tender pasta and creamy beans in a savory broth. Every spoonful is cozy, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A minimalist masterpiece made with pasta, black pepper, and cheese. Its simplicity highlights just how spectacular quality ingredients can taste.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Soft, pillowy low-carb gnocchi is served with a flavorful tomato basil sauce, making it a guilt-free indulgence you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles.
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Silky Alfredo sauce meets low-carb pasta in this keto-friendly recipe. It’s rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant Italian herbs. This dish brings together wholesome ingredients in the tastiest way.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Simple yet packed with flavor, this dish features pasta coated in a light garlic and chili-infused olive oil. It’s a quick and delightful meal to whip up anytime.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy, tender meatballs swim in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or all on their own for a truly comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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