Juicy, flavorful, and forgiving, chicken thighs are the unsung dinner MVP. These recipes make them shine in ways you didn’t see coming. Weeknight dinners just found their hero ingredient.

Creamy Toscana Zuppa Soup (Instant Pot)

zuppa soup with potatoes and sausage in a bowl ready to serve.
Creamy Toscana Zuppa Soup (Instant Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

The famous copycat recipe for Zuppa Toscana Soup (Instant Pot) is loaded with creamy potatoes, spicy Italian sausage, and fresh kale. This Zuppa recipe makes a quick, hearty dinner the whole family will enjoy. The recipe gets its inspiration from the famous Zuppa soup served at Olive Garden restaurants. Easy and quick using your Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Toscana Zuppa Soup (Instant Pot)

Antipasto Chopped Salad

A bowl of salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, salami, yellow bell peppers, black olives, grated cheese, and artichoke hearts. A fork is placed in the bowl.
Antipasto Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Antipasto Chopped Salad is a fresh and healthy side dish that your whole famiy will love. Packed full of fresh vegetables and a tangy italian dressing, it’s always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Chopped Salad

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a delicious one-pan skillet dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The boneless skinless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is made with ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Italian Sliders is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot dish that can be made in 30 minutes. It features ingredients like Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream to give this soup its delicious flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Pasta

A plate of creamy macaroni pasta with herbs and vegetables, garnished with chopped parsley, on a wooden board with spinach leaves nearby.
Italian Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This Italian Sausage Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with just one pot, making dinner easy and cleanup quick. It features spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers blended into a creamy sauce, and fresh spinach stirred in for a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

Meatball Casserole

Meatball casserole on a white tray.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This easy meatball casserole is a cozy, tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight. It’s brimming with top Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Antipasto Farro Salad

A salad on a plate with mixed greens, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grains, garnished with herbs.
Antipasto Farro Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This antipasto farro salad is a delicious dish jam-packed with flavor. Mediterranean and Italian ingredients make this salad recipe so tasty.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

One-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

One-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

One-pan meals make busy evenings easier, and this creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes is a flavorful choice that comes together quickly. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas. The whole dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a fast and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: One-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A plate with breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese on spaghetti, served with a green salad and croutons.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get dinner on the table fast with crispy chicken coated in a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, all cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. Juicy inside and crunchy outside, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and cuts cooking time way down, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Easy Skillet Lasagna Without Ricotta

Easy Skillet Lasagna Without Ricotta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Who needs ricotta when you’ve got this easy skillet lasagna recipe! Comforting, cheesy, and perfect for when you crave Italian flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna Without Ricotta

Ravioli Lasagna

A baked ravioli lasagna in a white dish with cheese and basil on top. A piece is being lifted, showing melted cheese stretching from the dish.
Ravioli Lasagna. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make weeknight dinners a breeze with hearty ravioli lasagna. Quick to prepare and sure to please, it’s loaded with the best Italian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Lasagna

Italian Broccoli Salad

A bowl of Italian broccoli salad with sliced olives, almonds, and vegetables is being drizzled with dressing from a spoon.
Italian Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fresh broccoli, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a sharp vinaigrette give this salad a bold Italian flavor that stands up to grilled meats or hearty mains. It’s colorful, crunchy, and always a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tiny meatballs, tender greens, and pasta come together in a flavorful broth to create this beloved Italian soup. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed bell pepper halves, one green and one red, topped with melted cheese, mini pepperoni, spinach, and sliced black olives on a white plate.
Pizza Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the crust, this recipe uses bell peppers as a fresh and crunchy base stuffed with Italian sausage, marinara, and melty mozzarella. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s lighter than traditional pizza but still satisfying, with customizable toppings like mini pepperonis and spinach to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Stuffed Peppers

How to Make Italian Meatballs

How to Make Italian Meatballs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

How to Make Italian Meatballs is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Italian Meatballs

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface.
Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Torn bread soaks up tomato juices and sharp vinaigrette in this rustic Italian salad. It’s bright, juicy, and built for summer.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

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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