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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    38 Italian Dinner Ideas

    Published: Oct 18, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 1 Comment

    Italian dishes of bruschetta chicken, Cioppino, and braised beef, graphic for Pinterest.

    These Italian dinner ideas will have your family praising your amazing cooking skills! These are all pretty easy recipes to prepare, and who doesn't love traditional Italian dishes?

    Cioppino, braised beef over polenta, and grilled chicken with sauce and cheese.

    I just got back from Sicily and Rome, sailing on the Costa Smeralda ship, a gorgeous new Italian cruise ship. The Italian food was wonderful on the ship, as well as in Sicily and Rome, where I stayed for an extra couple of days. I think I could eat Italian cuisine every night!

    There's no need to go to an Italian restaurant with all these easy Italian recipes at hand. You can do this!

    Starting with an Italian appetizer is always fun. In fact, we often eat appetizers as our main course for a quick meal! My best bruschetta recipe, bruschetta with mozzarella, or this caponata siciliana all make delicious starters or perfect finger food for a dinner party.

    Serve any of these dishes with this wonderful rosemary garlic bread recipe to sop up the wonderful broths or sauces and you'll be set with a taste of Italy.

    Don't forget dessert! This easy biscotti recipe or this bakery style Italian Amaretti cookies recipe will pair perfectly with any of these Italian dinner ideas.

    Watching your weight? I've got a list of Weight Watchers Italian recipes.

    Oven Braised Beef Recipe

    After reading about this braised beef recipe, known as brasato al barolo in Italy where it originated, I knew I had to make it for my family! SO delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Oven Braised Beef Recipe

    Easy Margherita Pasta Recipe

    This easy Margherita Pasta recipe is super easy to make! The only thing that you cook is the pasta, so it’s ready in minutes! The base for the delicious tomato sauce is fresh tomatoes and basil. It's just so good!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Margherita Pasta Recipe

    Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

    This baked feta pasta recipe will be your go-to comfort food and a family favorite from your kitchen. There's a reason it went viral on TikTok! It’s simple to make and the flavors are simply scrumptious. You are going to love this dish!
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

    Parmesan Risotto Recipe

    This parmesan risotto recipe pairs with just about anything. Simmering the rice and adding freshly grated aged parmesan is the key. We loved the flavors and it was super easy to make.
    Check out this recipe
    Parmesan Risotto Recipe

    Delicious Walnut Sauce Recipe for Pasta

    This homemade Walnut Sauce recipe for Pasta is simple but scrumptious. It gives a fresh and nutritious spin on standard pasta sauces. It’s not only deliciously satisfying, it’s also a healthy dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Delicious Walnut Sauce Recipe for Pasta

    Cioppino with Clam and Mussels Recipe

    This cioppino with clam and mussels recipe is a delicious fish stew in a tomato broth with aromatic vegetables. You’re going to love it!
    Check out this recipe
    Cioppino with Clam and Mussels Recipe

    Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce with Fettuccine

    This butternut squash pasta sauce is one of my favorite easy recipes. You can have this delicious meal on the table in about 20 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce with Fettuccine

    Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

    This grilled bruschetta chicken is so easy, you can even make it on busy weeknights. Who else loves a meal that can be on the dinner table in under 30 minutes? Simple recipes are the best!
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

    One Pot Italian Pasta Soup for an Easy Weeknight Supper

    You are in for a treat with this One Pot Italian Pasta Soup recipe. I need easy weeknight supper ideas, and I’m betting you do, too.
    Check out this recipe
    One Pot Italian Pasta Soup for an Easy Weeknight Supper

    Italian Bean Soup

    This Italian Bean soup can be made mostly with items you probably already have in your pantry. It’s delicious, easy, and inexpensive to make.
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Bean Soup

    Italian Seafood Pasta Recipe

    This Italian Seafood Pasta is the perfect combination of your favourite seafood mix, a few fresh grape or cherry tomatoes and spices tossed with spaghetti. Quick and easy, Italian never tasted so good!
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Seafood Pasta Recipe

    Linguine Aglio E Olio Recipe

    This simple pasta dish of Classic Aglio e Olio pasta is one of my favorites and a favorite of all garlic lovers!
    Check out this recipe
    Linguine Aglio E Olio Recipe

    Spinach Stuffed Shells

    Pasta shells filled with a ricotta cheese mixture, sautéed spinach and Italian sausage baked together with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Spinach Stuffed Shells

    Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta

    This authentic Italian tomato sauce is so easy to make, it’s ready before the pasta is finished cooking! When you make this easy meal once you’ll never go back to those inauthentic, jar sauces or faux recipes.
    Check out this recipe
    Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta

    Bucatini all’Amatriciana

    Bucatini all’Amatriciana. This classic Italian pasta dish is insanely delicious made with tomato, guanciale and pecorino cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Bucatini all’Amatriciana

    Traditional Italian Pasta e Fagioli

    Traditional pasta e fagioli soup is a creamy and rich one-pot Italian recipe, full of flavour and ready in just 20 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Traditional Italian Pasta e Fagioli

    Escarole and Beans

    Escarole and beans is a classic, comforting and simple Italian dish that can easily be made at home for a hearty vegetarian dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Escarole and Beans

    Italian Savory Pie

    Italian Savory Pie (Antipasto di torte salate) is a simple and delicious authentic Italian recipe that will impress both family and guests alike.
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Savory Pie

    Turkey Bolognese

    A delicious alternative to ground beef, Turkey Bolognese is made special with the addition of bacon and a dash of sherry towards the end or cooking! This is a rich Italian sauce for pasta.
    Check out this recipe
    Turkey Bolognese

    Homemade Lasagna Recipe

    The best lasagna with cottage cheese, fresh mozzarella, spinach, basil leaves & meat sauce! There are lots of tips included for making this homemade lasagna recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Lasagna Recipe

    Sunday Gravy Recipe (Italian Sunday Sauce)

    Sunday gravy recipe (Italian Sunday sauce) is a low-simmered rich sauce of juicy tomatoes cooked in the Italian tradition with meat. Worth the wait!
    Check out this recipe
    Sunday Gravy Recipe (Italian Sunday Sauce)

    Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

    Classic chicken cacciatore cooked in a rich and hearty sauce of tomatoes. The chicken is braised until it’s fall off the bone tender. An easy family-friendly dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

    Best Carbonara Recipe

    Quick & easy Spaghetti Carbonara! Perfect for family dinner during the week as it uses pantry ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Best Carbonara Recipe

    Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers

    Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers are a cozy all-in-one dinner. Sweet bell peppers stuffed with a meat, veg, rice mix & topped with melted creamy cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers

    La Stracciatella Soup (Italian Egg Drop Soup)

    Only 4 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, this Italian Egg Drop Soup is delicious, filling and perfect for quick weeknight dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    Stracciatella soup in a white bowl with bread in background.

    Gnocchi Alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)

    A great alternative to mashed potatoes! Gnocchi Alla Romana (also known as Semolina Gnocchi) is an ideal side dish for roasted or grilled meat -- creamy and cheesy. Delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Gnocchi Alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)

    Risotto Milanese

    This is an easy risotto Milanese recipe – it’s a simple yet flavorful meal. Cooked the traditional stirring method, with chicken stock and saffron to get nice yellow color.
    Check out this recipe
    Risotto Milanese

    Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce

    Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce cooks in under an hour but has the rich, meaty, slow-cooked flavor of traditional bolognese.
    Check out this recipe
    Pasta with bolognese sauce on a grey spotted plate.

    Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

    Crepe cannelloni with ricotta and spinach filling are a lighter, melt in your mouth alternative to traditional pasta dough cannelloni.
    Check out this recipe
    Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

    Penne Pomodoro

    This Italian meal of penne pomodoro pasta is made with a delicious, homemade tomato sauce from oven-roasted tomatoes and topped with fresh basil. Dinner in only 20 minutes has never tasted yummier!
    Check out this recipe
    Penne Pomodoro

    Lemon Asparagus Risotto

    This creamy asparagus risotto combines zesty lemon with the iconic, bright green spring stalks. A delightful dish for special nights, but quick enough for weeknights, too!
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Asparagus Risotto

    Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

    Our delicious copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe allows you to recreate one of your favorite restaurant recipes at home.
    Check out this recipe
    Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

    Spicy Chicken Riggies

    Chicken Riggies are a delicious homemade comfort food, consisting of chicken cooked with hot peppers in a creamy and spicy tomato sauce served over rigatoni.
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy Chicken Riggies

    Chicken Saltimbocca an Italian Classic

    Chicken Saltimbocca is a restaurant-style dish you can make at home. Prosciutto, spinach, cheese and a light marsala sauce make this dish exceptional.
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken Saltimbocca an Italian Classic

    Homemade Vegan Ravioli Recipe

    VEGAN Ravioli. Homemade. Fresh. Filled with Cashew Tofu Ricotta Cheese. Easy to make. Can be frozen for later. A delicious and hearty meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Vegan Ravioli Recipe

    Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe

    This Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe makes the Best Chicken Parmesan. The pan-fried breaded chicken breast is baked with marinara and mozzarella for a crispy dish with melty cheese and a flavorful tomato-based marinara sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe

    Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

    Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a delicious and aromatic pasta dish, and this easy recipe is ready in 20 minutes! Intensely seasoned, and made with a few simple ingredients. This is one of my favorite pasta recipes!
    Check out this recipe
    Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

    Classic Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

    Delicious lasagna recipe layered with béchamel sauce, bolognese meat sauce and pasta. This traditional recipe is made without ricotta.
    Check out this recipe
    Classic Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

    Baked Ziti Recipe

    A saucy, cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe! With a robustly flavored homemade sauce, this is comfort food at its finest. Recipe includes a how-to video.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Ziti Recipe

    Fettuccine Primavera: Easy Creamy Pasta with Vegetables

    Fettuccine Primavera is an easy, creamy pasta dish with parmesan cheese, broccoli and carrots.
    Check out this recipe
    Fettuccine Primavera: Easy Creamy Pasta with Vegetables

    Tips

    Whenever you're making Italian food or any other recipe, remember that olive oil does go bad! If you've had a giant opened bottle of olive oil you haven't used in a year, it's more than likely rancid and could ruin all your hard work. Buy fresh olive oil every six months or so.

    Don't toss that rind of parmesan! It will give wonderful flavor to soup recipes and stews.

    When using salt after cooking a dish, we use Maldon salt. It's a flaky salt just for finishing. I think you'll agree it adds amazing flavor!

    If learning to cook authentic Italian food is on your bucket list, check out these cooking classes in Rome Italy.

    FAQ

    What can I serve with these Italian dinner ideas?

    A green salad with a dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar would be a perfect pairing to any of these meals.

    Can I make any of these meals ahead of time?

    Most of these dishes can be made in advance, but check each website to be sure.

    How long do these recipes keep?

    Most of these dishes will keep for a couple of days in an airtight container or wrapped in foil to easily stick in the oven for reheating, but check each recipe for details.

    Which of these classic Italian recipes will you make for Italian night this week?

    • Italian Appetizer Recipes
    • Italian Amaretti Cookies Recipe
    • Italian Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
    • Traditional Italian Dessert Recipes
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Camilla Hawkins

      October 18, 2021 at 7:23 pm

      Loving all these Italian recipes, I want to make them all!

      Reply

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    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

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