These Italian recipes bring the comfort and warmth of Nonna’s kitchen right to your table. From rich sauces to hearty pastas, every dish is filled with love and flavor. It’s old-world charm made easy.

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A blue bowl filled with shrimp and rice, topped with green herbs, with a metal spoon in the bowl.
Easy Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Quick to make and full of rich garlic-butter flavor, this Easy Shrimp Scampi feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect dish when you want something elegant without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta or rice for a meal that always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi

Cannoli Dip

A waffle cone chip dipping into cannoli dip topped with chocolate chips.
Cannoli Dip. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This Cannoli Dip transforms the classic Italian dessert into a creamy, crowd-pleasing treat that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. It’s smooth, rich, and loaded with that signature ricotta sweetness. Serve it with cookies, waffle chips, or fruit for an easy dessert that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Dip

Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

A pile of herb-marinated mozzarella balls with herbs on a wooden board, next to sliced bread and a bunch of cherry tomatoes.
Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

These Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls soak up all the goodness of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet irresistible bite. They’re perfect as an appetizer, salad topping, or party snack. Each bite bursts with Italian-inspired flavor that tastes even better after marinating.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a one-pan wonder that brings big flavors in under 40 minutes. Crispy chicken thighs simmer in a velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a dish that feels fancy but stays easy. It’s comforting, filling, and sure to impress anyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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

This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is pure comfort in a dish, layered with rich marinara, creamy cheese, and hearty sausage. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great make-ahead meal for family dinners or guests. Every bite delivers that classic Italian flavor everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy, cozy, and ready in just 20 minutes, this Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto is a fall-inspired favorite made easy. With pumpkin purée, arborio rice, sage, and walnuts, it’s a perfect mix of savory and sweet. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and full of comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

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.

This hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting mix of beans, pasta, and rich tomato broth. It’s a cozy copycat of the Olive Garden favorite that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers warmth and Italian flavor in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a sharp vinaigrette make this Italian Broccoli Salad a flavorful side with a bold punch. It’s crisp, colorful, and great with grilled meats or pasta dishes. A perfect mix of crunch and zest for any table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad

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.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty one-pot dinner loaded with flavor. Spicy sausage, roasted red peppers, and spinach come together in a creamy sauce that coats every bite. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Rich, savory, and slow-simmered to perfection, this Bolognese Sauce is a timeless Italian favorite. It’s hearty enough for pasta, lasagna, or even stuffed peppers. Simple ingredients build deep flavor, making it a recipe worth keeping on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful stovetop side that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes come together in a luscious cream sauce that’s low-carb and gluten-free. It’s an easy, colorful dish that goes with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Soft, airy, and perfectly golden, this Gluten-Free Focaccia has all the flavor and texture of the traditional version—without the gluten. It’s naturally vegan, xanthan gum-free, and easy to make. Serve it warm with olive oil or alongside your favorite Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Zeppole

Fried Italian donut holes topped with powdered sugar with a coffee pitcher in the background.
Zeppole. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These Italian Zeppole are light, fluffy donut holes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re a quick breakfast or sweet snack you’ll want to make again and again. The secret ingredient gives them an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Zeppole

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.

Pizza Stuffed Peppers turn a favorite comfort food into a lighter, low-carb meal. Bell peppers are filled with Italian sausage, marinara, and melty mozzarella for all the flavor of pizza—without the crust. Customize them with toppings like pepperoni or spinach for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella are a simple yet elegant side dish bursting with Italian flavor. Juicy Roma tomatoes are topped with fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and cheese, then baked until bubbly. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for any meal or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

A plate of baked lasagna topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley, placed on a wooden table beside a bowl of grated cheese and a striped napkin.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole layers frozen ravioli, Italian sausage, and creamy cheeses into one comforting bake. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights. It’s rich, cheesy, and tastes like a restaurant favorite with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, hearty one-pot dish made in just 30 minutes. With sausage, tomatoes, cream cheese, and heavy cream, it’s a cozy meal that fills you up fast. It’s comfort food at its easiest and most delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

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

This Sausage and Mushroom Risotto is a creamy, satisfying dish that feels fancy but is easy to make. The combination of earthy mushrooms and savory sausage creates deep, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a comforting weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

White Wine Chicken Pasta

A pan filled with bowtie pasta mixed with diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped herbs.
White Wine Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

White Wine Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a light garlic-wine sauce for a quick yet elegant meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Each bite is bright, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: White Wine Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bright, fresh, and full of citrusy flavor, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is a feel-good meal that comes together fast. Tender chicken and orzo soak up a light lemon sauce for a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s an easy dinner that brings a little sunshine to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

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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