Italian cooking brings warmth through rich sauces, fresh herbs, and hearty textures. Each dish feels timeless, whether baked, simmered, or tossed together quickly. Aromatic ingredients create comforting depth without requiring complicated steps. A dependable source of flavor for any day of the week.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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

Comforting pasta, bubbling cheese, and savory sausage come together for the kind of meal everyone reaches for seconds of. The sauce soaks into the noodles beautifully, giving every bite rich flavor. Great for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want something cozy from the oven. Leftovers reheat like a dream.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Slow-simmered meat, tomatoes, aromatics, and herbs create a sauce that tastes like it cooked all day. The texture is thick and hearty, perfect for coating strands of pasta. Serve it over tagliatelle, spoon it on lasagna layers, or freeze for easy meals later. It’s classic Italian comfort made simple.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

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

Creamy rice meets savory sausage and earthy mushrooms in a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly doable at home. Each spoonful is rich and comforting, with just the right amount of chew from the arborio rice. Works beautifully as a main dish or as a special side. Leftovers make a fantastic next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

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

Light, fluffy interior with a golden, slightly crisp top delivers everything people love about focaccia—without the gluten. Olive oil pools in the characteristic dimples, creating incredible flavor and aroma. No xanthan gum or dairy required, and it’s naturally vegan. Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or snacking straight off the pan.
Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

A pot of classic Italian minestrone soup with pasta, beans, ground meat, and vegetables, garnished with basil, sits on a wooden table with a wooden spoon and a bowl of red pepper flakes—true comfort food among Italian recipes.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A warm bowl of pasta, beans, and vegetables in a tomato-based broth offers pure comfort in every spoonful. The flavors are cozy and familiar, especially if you love classic Italian soups. Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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.

Creamy potatoes, kale, and savory Italian sausage create a bowl of soup that is seriously hearty and filling. The Instant Pot makes it quick enough for busy nights without sacrificing flavor. Inspired by the popular restaurant version many people love. A cozy, cold-weather favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Toscana Zuppa Soup (Instant Pot)

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.

A bright white wine–garlic sauce coats tender chicken and bowtie pasta for a dish that feels elegant yet easy. Light herbs add freshness without overpowering the delicate flavor. Ready in about half an hour, making it great for weeknights. Special enough to serve for date night, too.
Get the Recipe: White Wine Chicken Pasta

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.

Rich creaminess meets savory sausage, tomatoes, and spices in a hearty soup that comes together in one pot. The texture is thick and velvety, perfect for dipping bread. Great for nights when you want comfort food without a lot of dishes. Ready in around 30 minutes, so it works for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Basic Risotto

A person scooping risotto from a red-rimmed bowl on a wooden table with a white napkin and scattered herbs.
Basic Risotto. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Creamy, slow-stirred rice creates a luxurious base that pairs well with just about any mix-ins. The method is simple, relying on patience rather than fancy ingredients. Enjoy it plain with Parmesan or add vegetables, seafood, or chicken for a fuller meal. A true Italian classic worth mastering.
Get the Recipe: Basic Risotto

Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

A white plate with multiple four cheese square ravioli served on a marble countertop; cooking ingredients visible in the background.
Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Fresh, homemade pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese make for an unforgettable meal. Step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, even if you’re new to homemade pasta. The result is tender ravioli with rich, melty filling. Serve with marinara, browned butter, or your favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake)

A plate of baked pasta topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, and shredded herbs, with a fork on the side.
Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Everything people love about pizza gets baked into a cheesy pasta dish the whole family can dig into. Pepperoni, beef, sauce, and gooey cheese melt together in the oven for ultimate comfort. Great for picky eaters and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Leftovers make an easy next-day meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole (Pizza Pasta Bake)

Pistachio Tiramisu

A slice of pistachio tiramisu topped with chopped pistachios on a white plate. Layers of cream and sponge cake are visible.
Pistachio Tiramisu. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Classic tiramisu flavors get a nutty twist with layers of pistachio-infused cream. Each bite is luscious, lightly sweet, and irresistibly smooth. No baking required, making it perfect for entertaining. A beautiful dessert for pistachio lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Tiramisu

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

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

Creamy pumpkin, sage, and arborio rice come together in a dish that feels cozy and autumn-inspired. The Instant Pot takes care of the stirring, making the process nearly hands-off. Naturally vegan and surprisingly quick to prepare. Walnuts add optional crunch for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

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.

Soft mozzarella pearls soak up olive oil, garlic, and herbs for little bites bursting with flavor. Serve them on charcuterie boards, toss into salads, or thread onto skewers. They’re incredibly simple to make ahead. Perfect for parties or snacking straight from the jar.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

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.

Juicy shrimp cook quickly in a garlicky, buttery pan sauce that tastes restaurant-quality. Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop. Minimal prep makes it a great choice for last-minute dinners. Elegant enough for guests yet fast enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi

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.

Crunchy broccoli, tangy dressing, and bold Italian add-ins like olives or sun-dried tomatoes create big flavor in every bite. It’s a refreshing change from mayo-based salads. Holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks. Works as a side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli 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, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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